People in Sefton are being urged to consider adoption as a way to grow their happy, forever family as part of a new national recruitment drive 'You Can Adopt.'

You Can Adopt is a new campaign run by Adoption England and supported by Adoption in Merseyside (AiM), Sefton's adoption recruitment agency. 

The campaign comes in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, which has heightened parental anxieties about finding the 'perfect' time and circumstances to start a family, especially for prospective adopters - with 9 in 10 saying it has directly affected their adoption decision.

Like any new parents, many prospective adopters worry about their ability to cope, but experts are highlighting that adoption is a journey that can be navigated with a range of support available at every stage.

You Can Adopt

People from all walks of life come forward to adopt, like Nicola from Merseyside. Nicola became a mother through adoption but as a single person, she thought it would be a barrier.

Nicola said: “Becoming a mum has always been something I have always wanted to do, but after having cancer, I was told that the chances of conceiving would be low. I knew there were lots of children waiting for a child in a loving home. I was a bit worried that being single would stop me from adopting, but I had lots of support around me which meant I was able to have a little family of my own. Being a parent has been the most challenging but best thing I have ever done”.

No Such Thing As The Perfect Time

To mark the launch, new survey data reveals feeling underprepared for parenthood is very common among all parents. Being emotionally ready (44 per cent), earning lots of money (22 per cent), being at the right point in their career (19 per cent) were among the most common concerns before people start a family.

However, six in ten (57 per cent) of parents in fact said, ‘they never truly felt prepared to become a parent’ and 72 per cent said there is no such thing as a ‘perfect time’ to start a family.

Aolmost 8 out of 10 (77 per cent) felt it was the most challenging thing they have ever done; this was outweighed by the 83 per cent who consider parenting as the most rewarding experience of their lives.

The results have been released by You Can Adopt as it highlights that, while the path may not always be smooth, the rewards of giving a child a loving, stable home are unparalleled.

Take The First Step

Kath Drescher, The Head of Service for Adoption in Merseyside (AiM) said: “There are still lots of children in Merseyside and the North West waiting for loving homes. We’re encouraging anyone considering adoption to take the first step in their journey – don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time. Like all parenting, adoption is not always easy and there will be bumps in the road, but there is lots of support available – including, emotional and therapeutic. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about growing their family to just take that first step.”

You can find out more about starting your adoption journey at www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk .