A growing gap between the number of children needing adoption and the number of prospective adopters coming forward means there are fewer than half the adopters needed, according to a new study published today (15 September) by Coram and Adoption England.
The report, published alongside the launch of You Can Adopt’s new Every Day is Everything campaign, features new projections warning there may only be enough families to meet 13% of demand by 2030, and highlights the urgent need for more people to consider adoption and provide children with safe, loving and permanent homes.
The analysis shows that there are currently around 1,600 more children in need of adoption than approved adopters available to adopt them. This gap has increased by 52% over the past five years, while the number of approved adopters has fallen by 46%.
However, the report also shows that this trajectory can be changed. If adopter registrations returned to the levels seen just five years ago, nearly 1,000 additional children could have permanent homes by 2030.
Children in need of adoption currently spend an average of 646 days without a permanent family after entering care. These are days are a missed opportunity for children who could instead be growing up with the stability, security and sense of belonging that a permanent family can provide.
To highlight the difference that these everyday moments can make, the new Every Day is Everything campaign film features former Paralympian Ellie Simmonds OBE, who was adopted when she was a few months old. Ellie says: “My parents have always been my biggest supporters and have always been there for me, no matter what”. The film also features adoptive mother and daughter duo Roxy and Judy Wilson from The Traitors stars, and post-adoption social worker and former Love Island winner Sanam Fagan.
The campaign also aims to challenge misconceptions about who can adopt. Prospective adopters do not need to own their home, fit a traditional idea of an adoptive parent or have everything perfectly in place before coming forward. Adoption agencies like Coram Adoption are looking for people who can provide a safe, stable and loving home, with support available throughout the process and beyond.
Dame Carol Homden, Chief Executive Officer of Coram, said:
“Behind every statistic in this report is a child needing the love and stability that a permanent family can provide. Our analysis shows a growing gap between the number of children who need adoption and the number of prospective adopters stepping forward, meaning too many children risk spending longer in care during some of the most important years of their lives.
These are not just days on a calendar. They are opportunities to build relationships, grow in confidence and experience the security of knowing they belong. That is why we need more people to consider whether adoption could be right for them. You do not need to be perfect to adopt. What matters most is being able to offer a child the everyday love and commitment that can change the course of their life.”