Voluntary adoption agencies across the UK have come together with a joint mission to stop brothers and sisters who are waiting in care from being separated when adopted.
Almost half of children currently waiting in care* are part of a family group and voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) are looking for people who can offer them a permanent and loving home.
Barnardo’s is among 23 VAAs from all over the UK who are raising awareness of the importance and benefits of keeping brothers and sisters together though adoption.
Jo-Ann Swanston-King, Barnardo’s National Adoption Lead said:
“The relationships that children have with their brothers and sisters are usually the most enduring that they will ever experience. When siblings need to be looked after outside of their birth families it is so important that they get the opportunity to be cared for together where possible. They already share a unique journey which can help them to be supportive to each other into adulthood.”
“Most people who think about adoption don’t feel they have the skills or experience to consider adopting a sibling group. At Barnardo’s we are excited to be part of this project helping people to recognise their strengths, life experiences and support networks that can help them parent a sibling group.”
VAAs are specialists in finding families for children who wait the longest in care. They work in partnership with local authorities to find families for children waiting for a permanent home.
VAAs are independent, not-for-profit organisations who have intensive services to provide families with vital support both when the children are placed and into the future.
Maggie Jones, chief executive of the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) which represents VAAs across the country said:
“Brother and sisters who are adopted together are often the only constant thing in each other’s lives in times of huge upheaval, loss and trauma.
“The voluntary adoption sector are specialists in finding families for sibling groups and being there for them with bespoke packages of support for as long as it’s needed.”
Hannah and Claire adopted their three children through Barnardo’s and speak of their experience through the adoption process:
“I would 100% encourage anyone thinking about adoption to contact Barnardo’s. It’s not a sales pitch, there is no pressure. You’ve given time to make your own decisions. Because of that call, our lives are now very different to a year ago. We are loving every moment.”
To find out more about Barnardo’s adoption, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/adopt
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Notes to Editors
*There are currently 2,030 children waiting to be adopted in England and 890 of those are in a family group. 520 children who are part of a sibling group have been waiting for 18 months or more to find a home. https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/
About Barnardo’s
Last year Barnardo’s provided essential support to over 357,000 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 790 services and partnerships across the UK.
We provide vital support to the children and families who need us most, to help with a range of issues including mental health, child sexual abuse and children in care.
We listen to children and young people and work to bring about positive change so that they can have a brighter future.
Visit www.barnardos.org.uk to find out more.
About CVAA:
CVAA is a membership organisation. It was founded in 1993 to represent the interests of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (VAAs).
CVAA’s vision is for adopted children, young people and adults to lead happy fulfilling lives in loving families supported by a strong voluntary adoption sector. CVAA’s role in achieving this vision is to champion and support VAAs in their life-changing work. We are wholly committed to adopter choice and the vital contribution of a thriving VAA sector, able to provide the best possible support for birth and adoptive families in their lifelong adoption journeys.
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