London,
19
October
2021
|
12:46
Europe/London

National Adoption Week champions voices less heard

Monday, 18 October marked the launch of National Adoption Week 2021, which aims to inform people on the process of modern adoption today, with a rounded, honest and inclusive portrayal of the journey.

National Adoption Week 2021 showcases the highs and lows and champions all the voices involved in the process that are often less heard. These include adopted children, adopted adults, adoptive parents, birth parents, and the adoption social care workforce.

The week brings some of these issues and voices to the forefront in an emotive short film by illustrator and adoptive parent, Garry Parsons. The four-minute animated film features the life stories and real voices of six people who have had their lives changed by adoption – birth mother Anna*, single mum and adopter Sarah*, social worker Paula, 11-year-old Roman who was adopted age five, 19-year-old Tiegan who was adopted age four, and Sue who supported her daughter through the adoption process.

Tiegan, age 19, who features in the short film said: “Being adopted has been an incredibly positive experience for me. I love my adoptive mums and I have good relationships with many birth relatives, but it is important people don’t look at adoption with rose-tinted glasses. Growing up would have been much easier for me if people had a better understanding of adoption and how this shaped me as a person.”

Finding the right families for the children waiting to be adopted is key.

Lydia Samuel, Head of Service for Adopt London North said: “Adoption has an enormous impact on everyone involved and whilst it is incredibly rewarding for many children and adoptive parents, it is also complex because it comes amidst loss and separation. It’s important that we have more adoptive parents coming forward who are able to accept and embrace this complexity, and put the needs of an adopted child at the forefront of their lives.” 

In North London, we especially need more adoptive families for Black or Dual Heritage children, for siblings and for children with additional needs. If you want to learn more about adoption, including the support that’s provided, please join an Adopt London North event to find out more:

Adopt London North is a Regional Adoption Agency for Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington boroughs.

*these names have been changed