Families across Cardiff are being encouraged to explore adoption and consider offering a child in care a safe, stable and loving home during National Adoption Week (19–25 October).
The National Adoption Service for Wales (NAS) is marking the second year of its Now is a Good Time campaign, which celebrates the life-changing decision to take the first step towards adoption.
For adoptive parents, taking the first step often begins with a simple enquiry and adoption services are keen to hear from people from all backgrounds, whether they are single, married, in a relationship, homeowners or renters. What matters most is the ability to offer a child a secure, permanent and nurturing home.
Sam, from Vale Valleys and Cardiff Adoption region, adopted his son ten years ago as a single dad. He was in a long-term relationship and always wanted a child but always felt like he was waiting for the right moment.
When his relationship ended, Sam decided there would never be a right moment, so he pursued adoption as a single person.
“I wasn’t sure I would be accepted as a single, gay, adopter. I was nervous, it took a lot of courage to make that first phone call. There was no judgement at all, they made me feel really reassured.”
The first time he met his son, Sam described how the then two-year-old ran out of his foster carer’s house and shouted “Daddy”.
He said:
“It felt so surreal, but it was the best experience.”
Sam was worried he would find the experience lonely as a single adopter, but that wasn’t the case at all. He described how he received incredible support both during and after the adoption process – including meeting his best friend, a woman who was also going through the process as a single adopter.
While there are encouraging signs that more people are considering adoption, adoption services say many more families are needed to meet growing demand across Wales.
Last year, 29 Cardiff children were matched with adoptive families, accounting for almost half (45.3%) of all children matched for adoption across Vale, Valleys and Cardiff region. During the same period, Cardiff residents made 58 enquiries about adoption, and 10 Cardiff households were approved as adopters.
Across Wales, enquiries about adoption increased by 10% over the last year following several years of decline. However, the number of children waiting for an adoptive family also rose by 11%, with 310 in Wales currently waiting to find a permanent home.
Adoption services say the figures highlight both the positive impact of awareness campaigns and the ongoing need for more people to come forward.
Cardiff Council’s Member for Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Cllr Ash Lister said:
"Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a loving, stable and supportive family environment where they can thrive. Adoption changes lives, not only for children but also for the families who welcome them into their homes.
"It's encouraging to see more people starting to explore adoption, but there are still many children waiting for the security and stability that an adoptive family can provide. We would encourage anyone considering growing their family to find out more about adoption and take that first step."
Vale, Valleys and Cardiff Adoption Collaborative is also celebrating the quality of support provided to children throughout their adoption journey. All children placed for adoption receive their life journey books by their second adoption review, helping them understand their story, identity and experiences as they grow up.
Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can contact Vale Valleys and Cardiff Adoption or visit their website for information about the process, support available and upcoming information events.
