Adoption in the Media

You may have seen recent BBC coverage discussing a rise in care proceedings involving babies and concerns raised by some experts about adoptions being ‘forced’.

We understand that stories like these can be unsettling, particularly for prospective adopters, adopters, adopted children and young people, and birth families whose lives have been touched by adoption.

We want to reassure you that adoption remains a carefully considered legal process that is only pursued when a court determines that it is in a child’s best interests and that there is no safe alternative way for them to remain within their birth family network. The welfare of the child is always the court’s paramount consideration.

Every adoption is unique and follows extensive work by numerous professionals involved, courts, family members and other professionals to explore all available options. Adoption is not about taking children away from families unnecessarily; it is about providing safety, stability and permanence for children who cannot remain at home. Research consistently shows that children who are adopted from care, have better life outcomes than children who remain in care until they reach adulthood.

We also recognise that discussions about adoption can bring up a range of emotions and experiences. Adoption is complex, and it is important that different perspectives are heard and understood. At the same time, we know from the thousands of children and families we have supported over the past 7 decades, that adoption can be life-changing, offering children the opportunity to grow up in loving, secure and nurturing families.

For any of our adopters, prospective adopters, adopted adults, children or young people who may feel concerned or affected by this coverage, Adoption Matters remains committed to supporting you, when you need us.

If you have questions about anything you have read or watched, please do reach out to us.

Thank you for being part of our Adoption Matters community.

The Adoption Matters Team