North Yorkshire and Humber families urged to offer a ‘Welcome Home’ this National Adoption Week

This year’s campaign challenges the idea that adoptive families need to be “perfect” — showing instead that children waiting for adoption simply need a place where they are loved, safe, and belong.

A new You Can Adopt survey reveals that nationally, nearly nine in ten adoptive parents (86%) once worried they needed a “perfect home” to be approved. In reality, many were living in small or rented homes — 41% had two bedrooms or fewer, 65% had no garden, and a quarter rented their home.

To launch the campaign, a unique immersive installation – A Welcome Home – was unveiled in London on Monday and will visit Leeds Station today. Co-created by real adoptive families, the pop-up kitchen celebrates the joy and messiness of everyday family life.

The installation, and campaign, are supported by The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith (adopter), Sort Your Life Out’s Dilly Carter (who was adopted), Love Island’s Sanam Harrinanan (a Post Adoption Social Worker) - as well as Oscar-winning author Charlie Mackesy.

The cost-of-living crisis has made things tougher, with a 12% drop in new adopter registrations over the past year. That means more children are waiting longer — sometimes over 18 months — before being matched with a family.

Currently in Yorkshire and the Humber there are 255 more children waiting than there are adopters available. These delays highlight the urgent need for more people to consider adoption.

In the North and Humber region there are currently 57 children waiting for their forever home and more than half are part of a group of brothers and sisters.

Tom Maxwell, Head of Agency at One Adoption North and Humber said:

“We know that for many people, the idea of adoption can feel overwhelming and daunting. The cost of living and pressure to feel ready or have the perceived ‘perfect’ circumstances, can be major barriers to taking the first step and finding out more. I want to reassure anyone who is considering adoption, that it isn’t about perfection or having all the answers, it’s about opening your home, and your heart, to the hope and possibility.

“At One Adoption North and Humber, we are here to walk beside you. We’ll guide, support, and prepare you every step of the way, helping you explore whether adoption is right for you, without pressure or judgment.

“We believe that family is built on connection, not perfection. A child doesn’t just need a roof over their head. They need a place filled with love, laughter, stability and belonging, because that is what creates a ‘home’ for them. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and so do adoptive homes. Whether you’re single, partnered, renting or owning, with children or without — you could be the person who changes a child’s life forever.

“If you’ve ever wondered about adoption — even just a little — we’d love to hear from you. Sometimes, the first step is simply a conversation. Open your heart and start to discover what adoption could mean for you. We look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Before adopting, many adopters had concerns about what they could offer a child. This includes concerns about the size of their home (23 per cent) or having too low an income (21 per cent). This National Adoption Week campaign aims to dispel myths and reduce barriers to people considering adoption by highlighting real stories from adopted families

One Adoption North and Humber will be holding an informal online Question and Answer session during National Adoption Week on Thursday 23 October between 12pm and 1pm, where the adoption team and an adoptive parent will be on hand to answer your questions. For more information and to book your place, please visit https://www.oneadoption.co.uk/information-events

Find out more about adoption or starting your adoption journey with One Adoption North and Humber https://www.oneadoption.co.uk/ or call 0345 305 2576.