Leading children’s charity issues plea for Lanarkshire locals to consider adoption

Children’s charity, Barnardo’s Scotland, has issued a plea to residents in Lanarkshire to consider adoption. The charity highlighted concerning statistics from the Scottish Adoption Register (SAR), revealing a significant decrease in the number of registered adopters in the past year. The figures showed a drop from 209 adopters in March 2023 to 169 adopters in March 2024, marking a 19% decrease. Additionally, the SAR reported a 22% drop in the number of prospective adoptive families added to the register during the same period.

The SAR Annual Report raised alarms about the possibility of facing a shortage of families for children in need of adoption if the trend of decreasing numbers continues. Anne Whyte, Assistant Head of Business for Family Placement Scotland at Barnardo’s, emphasised the importance of finding families for children who have been waiting the longest for adoption. This includes older children, siblings who need to be adopted together, and children with complex needs.

Whyte encouraged potential adopters to reach out to agencies, ask questions, and connect with other adopters for support. She highlighted the value of being open to learning and reflecting on personal experiences throughout the adoption process. Barnardo’s has been providing essential support to children, young people, and families across the UK for over 150 years, with over 170 services in Scotland alone.

Residents in Lanarkshire are urged to consider adoption to provide loving and stable homes for children in need. By increasing the number of registered adopters, the community can make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children awaiting their forever families. Take the first step towards adoption and help create brighter futures for children in Lanarkshire.

Insights:
Adoption is a crucial way to provide children with stability, love, and care. It is heartening to see organizations like Barnardo’s Scotland advocating for more families to consider adoption, especially for children who may face challenges finding permanent homes. The declining numbers of registered adopters raise concerns about the future welfare of children in need of adoption. It is essential for communities to come together to support adoption initiatives and provide nurturing environments for vulnerable children.

Summary:
Barnardo’s Scotland is urging Lanarkshire residents to consider adoption in light of decreasing numbers of registered adopters. The charity emphasises the importance of finding families for children waiting for their forever homes, especially those with complex needs. By raising awareness and encouraging more individuals to explore adoption, communities can make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children in need of loving families.