2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Angela Upex)
As the number of children in need of loving, nurturing homes continues to grow, the regional adoption agency for Yorkshire and the Humber - One Adoption - is urging people to consider adoption as a route to building or extending their family this New Year. Unfortunately, the cost-of-living crisis has seen a shortage of people coming forward to adopt, which means that across Yorkshire and the Humber there are now over 200 children waiting to find their permanent family. The children, much like adopters, come from a variety of backgrounds, from groups of brothers and sisters to children with additional needs or those just that little bit older, all of whom need a family to grow up in.
One Adoption welcomes adopters from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or marital status. What matters is that adopters can give children who might not have had a great start in life, a stable and happy home through to adulthood. One Adoption adopter Jemma, has shared her story.
She said: "Single and almost 40 with the desire of wanting to be a Mum growing stronger I attended an information event, and it did what I hoped it would, it confirmed my decision to adopt was the right one for me. "The journey through the assessment had its up and downs with the pandemic getting in the way but, with the most wonderful social worker, I was assessed and supported through the stages to approval and finally matching panel. “My journey continued to be a rollercoaster of ups and downs with a difficult transition (I almost gave up and walked away at this point), multiple court hearings and adapting to life as a solo parent but, and it’s a big but, there were far more ups than downs.
Every day with my girl brings me joy. "We missed out on a few ‘firsts’ but every day there is a new ‘first’ and I cherish each one; the first time she rode her scooter, played in snow, went on train, plane and boat, gave me a cuddle, said ‘Mama’..
. it goes on and on. “One Adoption have been fantastic throughout my journey - the support during the assessment was fantastic and the support continued post adoption, even now four years on I am still attending groups with other adoptive families and have made some new friendships along the way.
“If you’re thinking about adoption, then I would say you’ve probably already decided it’s the right journey for you - you just need to go through the process for this to be reaffirmed and to feel ready for your little ones to join your family. Although I wouldn’t go through it all again (I’ve got my hands full with my little lady) it is still the best decision I made with the most incredible outcome.” One Adoption is made up of three Regional Adoption Agencies, which provide all adoption services on behalf of the region’s local councils: One Adoption North and Humber, One Adoption South Yorkshire and One Adoption West Yorkshire.
Each agency offers a comprehensive programme of pre and post adoption training and support to help guide adoptive parents at every step of their journey. Michelle Rawlings, head of One Adoption West Yorkshire, said: “At the start of this new year, we are urging people across the region to think about making the ultimate New Year’s resolution to change a child’s life by giving them the loving, stable, permanent home they need. Considering adoption is a huge decision for anyone.
At times it is challenging, as parenthood is for everyone, but adoption is an incredibly rewarding and positive experience.” Tom Maxwell, head One Adoption North and Humber said: “Adoption is a life-changing journey that enriches not only the lives of children but also the families who welcome them. We urgently need adopters who are ready to embrace the unique bond of adopting siblings, older children and children with diverse needs.
Every adoption story is different, shaped by the people who make it possible. “Modern adoption is about creating new beginnings, celebrating diversity, and building families in ways that are as unique as the children themselves. By stepping forward, you’re opening your heart to the incredible joy and love adoption brings.
”.
