FALLING numbers of adopters on the national register has sparked concerns that there will soon be more children than families.
These concerns come as adoption week begins on 25 November.
Scottish Adoption Register (SAR) figures show that the number of registered adopters has fallen from 203 in March 2023 to 169 on the same date earlier this year, a 19% decrease.
It was also revealed that the number of prospective families had dropped, going from 135 being added in 2022/23 to 105 in 2023/24, dropping by 22%.
Due to this, the (SAR) report stated: “Should the pattern of lower numbers of families continue, Scotland could begin to experience similar concerns currently evident in the remaining nations of the UK, where there are higher numbers of children than families.”
The theme for Adoption Week 2024 is “listening to and supporting the experience of Adoption in Scotland”.
Barnardo’s have since issued a plea for new adopters in Scotland.
Anne Whyte, assistant head of business for family placement Scotland at Barnardo’s, said: “We are currently seeking more applications from prospective adopters that can consider those children that wait the longest to be adopted.
“For example, there are what we would term ‘older children’ – i.e., those aged four years old and above.
“We’d also love to hear from those who would consider adopting brothers and sisters who live together or are being reunited and/or those with complex needs.
“These children wait the longest for their ‘Forever Families’, and we are keen to close that gap.
“Where it isn’t possible for brothers and sisters to live together, it’s important that adopters can support ongoing family time, where appropriate, enabling these important relationships to remain in place throughout their lives.”
Several couples who have previously adopted through Bernardo’s had a lot to say.
One said: “Adopted siblings are the whole world to one another, and we must keep that bond strong.”
Another couple added: “Our child might not be genetically ours, but every day, we see our influence in his developing personality.
“He’s got his dad’s sense of humour, and he’s adventurous with food like his mum—and it’s like he has always been home.”
For those who may be worried about adopting, Anne Whyte said: “Don’t be afraid to reach out to agencies and ask as many questions as you need to.
“Do your research to develop your understanding of the needs of the children waiting for their forever family.
“Make links with other adopters because hearing about the process from someone who has been through it – with all the hopes, fears, highs, and lows – is so incredibly valuable.
“Ask yourself if you are ready to learn, reflect on your own life experiences and develop new perspectives and ways of thinking.
“We don’t expect people to come to this process with all the answers – we want them to come with the openness to learn and develop.”
A social worker who supports adopting families said: “As a social worker with many years of experience in supporting individuals and couples through the adoption process.
“I can think of no greater work-related pleasure than witnessing first-hand the joy in the hearts and faces of children and their new parents brought together through adoption.”
Barnardo’s Adoption Service will hold an online information session on Thursday 28 November from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/1049459390287?aff=oddtdtcreator.
If you would like to donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.
