The Journey
Coram, alongside You Can Adopt and adoption agencies across the UK, has launched a new campaign to inspire people to take the first step towards growing their family. For nearly half of the children (46%) needing adoption, it takes over 18 months to find their forever home.
For the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of adoption than those coming forward to adopt.
The campaign shows that the path may not always be smooth, but the rewards of giving a child a loving, stable home are unparalleled. Many people hold back from starting their adoption journeys because they’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ time or circumstances - but for a child in need of a permanent home, the perfect time is now.
Like any new parents, many prospective adopters worry about their ability to cope - but with adoption, this is a journey you can navigate together, with support available along the way. As part of the campaign, adopters from all walks of life are sharing the ups and downs of their own adoption journeys, highlighting that like all family trips, adoption is an experience that’s full of adventure, challenges, chaos and conversation – but most importantly, love.
83% of adoptive parents now consider it the most rewarding experience of their life.
From making that first enquiry, to bringing their child home and experiencing life together as a family and receiving dedicated support throughout, adoption is a life-long journey. While there may be bumps in the road, adopting a child in need of a forever home will take you to places you never imagined - once you take that first step and get in touch.
Adopter stories
Miles (from BBC's The Traitors) and Pip
“Like all families with young kids, we’ve had our chaotic moments, but it’s been rewarding like nothing else – watching our daughters grow into the wonderful little people they are is an unparalleled feeling.”
Miles and his husband Pip adopted their first daughter in 2020, and the more they learned about the process, the more they realised that all a child really needs is a loving home.
They have adopted two daughters and describe their journey as 'the adventure of a lifetime'.
As his mother was adopted, for Miles, adoption had always been a part of his life, so he knew it would be the right way to grow his family.
Hollie and James
“Do your research but know that even considering adoption means you’re more than halfway there – take the leap of faith and be reassured that the rewards totally outweigh the challenges.”
Hollie and James had always felt a calling towards adoption, a path they chose not out of necessity, but out of a shared openness to expanding their family in a different way and a longing to provide for a child in need. They adopted their little girl, Florence, just before she turned one.
They say that while the process was difficult at times, they were grateful to have the opportunity to learn more about each other and their relationship. They now feel closer than ever.
Sara and Stu
“You don’t need millions of pounds; you don’t need a mansion… It’s a journey, but it’s for the right reason, and the rewards are endless.”
Sara and Stu began their journey in 2015 and are now parents to three adopted children.
After adopting siblings in 2015, Sara and Stu decided to adopt a third child, after hearing how many children were in need of forever homes in their local area. A few weeks later they embarked on the early permanence process and were matched with their daughter, Isabel.
Next steps
Interested in starting your own adoption journey? You can read our helpful FAQs or attend one of our free adoption information events, which are a great way to find out more information about what to expect from adopting a child. We are here to help whenever you are ready to take the next step towards adoption.