A new campaign led by You Can Adopt is encouraging more Black families to consider adoption by challenging one of the biggest misconceptions holding people back - that a child needs a perfect home.
Coming against the backdrop of the National Adoption Week (20–26 October) which coincides with Black History Month; the new campaign, ‘A Welcome Home’, celebrates the beauty of perfectly imperfect family life, where love, culture and belonging take priority over picture-perfect ideals.
A new survey conducted with 500 adoptive parents in England, reveals that almost nine in ten (86%) were worried they needed a ‘perfect home’ before adopting. Yet the reality tells a different story:
- 41% of adoptive parents surveyed live in homes with two bedrooms or less
- 65% don’t have a garden
- 25% live in rented accommodation
Still, these homes have become havens of love and stability for children who need them most.
Insights from adoption agencies across the country show that the cost-of-living crisis has contributed to a decline in the number of people coming forward to adopt – with new data showing a 12% decline in prospective adopter registrations compared to last year. This means that more children are now facing delays of over 18 months before being matched with a family - with Black & Mixed heritage children waiting approximately 5 months longer to find a permanent home. Data also shows that Black and Mixed heritage children represent around 7% of children in care, they account for only 2% of adopted children. This disparity means that many of these children will never secure a permanent home unless more prospective adopters come forward.
Research shows that one of the many things children need from their future home is a ‘connection to ethnic or cultural heritage and spaces to express identity’, cited by 20% of adopters surveyed.
This is especially important within Black communities, where ‘home’ is often more than a physical space, a sense of belonging, and a bridge to identity and pride.
Jennifer, adoptive mother of two boys said: “When we adopted our first son, we were worried that we didn’t have the perfect home. But we soon realised that what he needed most wasn’t perfection, it was love, empathy, structure and to see himself reflected in his home. Every family story, every celebration and every cultural meal, that’s what makes our home complete.”
Jennifer (National Adoption Week)
To mark the start of National Adoption Week, You Can Adopt has launched an immersive new installation, ‘A Welcome Home’, in London and Leeds – a hand-drawn kitchen which many families describe as the “heart” of their home. Co-created with real adoptive families from across the UK, and inspired by the imaginations and memories of adopted children, the installation captures the warmth and chaos of family life where love grows in the everyday moments: over messy breakfasts, music, and shared laughter.
Jacqui, an adoptive mother said: “When I adopted my daughter, it was in the kitchen that we bonded over meals, music, and mess. ‘A Welcome Home’ shows that adoption isn’t about perfection; it’s about belonging. It’s about giving a child a place at your table and that’s where love truly grows.”
Jacqui (National Adoption Week)
Jacqui
Many worry they don’t have enough space, income or experience yet:
- 25% of adopters surveyed once doubted their parenting ability
- 23% felt their homes were too small
- 21% worried their income wasn’t enough
And yet, their courage to take the first step has transformed countless lives.
Audrey Bouazizi, Head of Adopt London South and member of Black Adoption Project’s steering committee said: “Black children and those from mixed African or Caribbean heritage face some of the longest delays to finding an adoptive home. This is because there are not enough adopters coming forward to meet their cultural and identity needs. We want Black children and children from a Mixed heritage to have the same opportunities as children from other ethnic groups as what all children need most is love, stability and belonging — not a perfect home. We want more people from the Black community to consider whether they can provide a safe and stable home to a child through adoption. We want to show that your story, your culture, and your care can be exactly what a child is waiting for. Get in touch with your local agency to have a conversation to find out if adoption might be right for you.”
Taking the First Step
Adoption is a lifelong journey, and nobody ever feels completely ready. Over half (56%) of adopters surveyed agree that “nobody ever feels truly ready for parenting.” But support is available at every step. By taking that first step, you could give a child a welcome home, one filled with joy and the everyday love that shapes their identity and future.
Discover how giving a child the love they deserve can bring more joy, pride, and connection into your own life, visit: www.youcanadopt.co.uk/blackadopters