National Adoption Week: Putting focus on a subject that's forever
We all benefit when children are settled in a loving, secure home
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Your support makes all the difference.Many of us grumble about the proliferation of themed “days” or “weeks” – last week was National Chocolate Week, and that’s one of the less ludicrous ones.
But Monday is the start of something altogether more meaningful, National Adoption Week. The theme this year is summed up by the question “Too old at four?” The desire for adoptive parents to focus on babies and a lack of wider understanding of the needs of older children have been slow to shift.
The fact that David Cameron singled out adoption in his conference speech (and his work in the last parliament to speed up placements) shows admirable commitment, but it should be remembered that only recently the British Association for Adoption and Fostering had to close due to lack of funding.
There was a brilliant report in Saturday's Independent by Emily Dugan on a pioneering programme to steer damaged children away from becoming sex offenders. Many of those who need such help come through the care system, where many children wait far too long for placement in a forever family.
I declare an interest: my two children – smart, thoughtful, warm and optimistic – are adopted (not that it’s really relevant in our everyday lives, almost 13 years on). They were six and four when they arrived and, truly, it was like going on a blind date and then taking the match home to live with you straightaway.
The message that the charity Adoption UK wants to get across this week, and one I wholly endorse, is that although you won’t be getting a “blank canvas”, the rewards that come from forming your relationship with a small person complete with personality, opinions and foibles are intense. And we all know that relationships require work.
Please support National Adoption Week to spread understanding, involvement and donations for vital support for adopters. We all benefit when children are settled in a loving, secure home.
Twitter: @lisamarkwell
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