Disabled children are less likely to be adopted, let's change that!
This year’s campaign hoped to increase interest in adoption and stop the spread of myths that might stop people from applying in the first place.
Who can adopt?
To adopt you need to meet a certain criteria, but this is more relaxed and open than you might expect.
First4adoption says you can apply to become an adoptive parent if:
- You’re single, married or in a long term ‘live in’ relationship
- You own your own home or rent, if you are employed or on benefits
- You and your partner are 21 years of age or over
You can adopt regardless of:
- Other children
- Impairment and health conditions
- Ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality or faith
These criteria are important to know because people sometimes think those who are LGBTQI can’t adopt. This is an outdated assumption based on discrimination.
Can I adopt a disabled child?
Yes, 40% of children on the waiting list to be adopted are disabled.
The Guardian suggests that there’s a high number of disabled children due to people lacking the confidence to care for additional needs and a preference for adopting non-disabled babies and toddlers.
This calls for a change in focus to the positive aspects of raising disabled children and the qualities, personalities and unique traits they each have as individuals.
Interview with Garry Ratcliffe
To learn more about adoption we spoke to Garry Ratcliffe. He’s a dad of 4 and co-founder of the disability charity Curly’s Legacy.Can you tell us a little about your family?
Did you have any initial fears or worries about adopting disabled children?
What has adopting children brought to your lives?
What made you start your own charity ‘Curly’s Legacy’ and what does it offer disabled families?
Do you have any advice for people considering adoption?
Garry is @Garryrat on Twitter.
For more information on adopting, visit the #Youcanadopt website.
Let us know what you think:
- Do you have any experience of adoption?
- What more could promote the adoption of disabled children?
- Do you have any messages for Garry and his family?
Tell us in the comments below.
Want to tell us about your experience on the online community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know.
Comments
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I was adopted as a 6 month year old baby, having been left outside a branch of the Church of England's Children's Society well clothed & with a name attached. My adoptive parents were my Mum & Dad, & I couldn't have had better. I was brought up knowing I was adopted, & it seems the rest of the family accepted me.I got on amazingly with my eldest cousin (who was nearly 20 years older than me), & my parents made every opportunity for us to see each other. Sadly she died from renal failure, a complication of Systemic Lupus Erythamatosis in her late 30's.When I eventually worked out the genetic disorder I had, & had this confirmed by a specialist in my disorder, I told a younger cousin, whom I'd kept in touch with over the years because of how close I'd felt to her older sister. She wrote back that it was a shame I hadn't come with a tag on my toe saying my medical problems as a baby. Sorry to say I didn't write back.My parents adopted me not knowing I had a genetic disorder, but were always there for me when unexplained pain entered my life. They were there for me with everything.To Garry & family, I would like to say thank you for knowingly adopting children with a disability; I'm sure they enrich your lives as much as you do them......you will make a difference.
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@chiarieds Thank you much for sharing your story I am so happy your parents provided you with a loving, stable home and everything you could ever need.
We really are indebted to people who adopt, such as Garry and his husband. Their beautiful kids look so happy and you can tell how much the relationship brings to each of their lives.
Online Community Co-ordinator
Want to tell us about your experience on the online community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know.Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us. -
Thanls for sharing @chiarieds
On the topic of adoption I think the process needs to be less complicated and more timely. I have known of 3 couples wanting to adopt and seen hoe stressful the process is.
I understand the need to have checks on the potential adopters but the lengths they go to is very extreme, they dont make any checks on birth parents
One of my friends gave up sadly trying due to the invasive nature , she had an abortion years before when she was in a very abusive relationship and this went against her and they wanted to drag it all u and contact the abuser etc
As a HR manager I had to complete the forms they send to employers when trying to adopt and they were like war and peace
Obviously this wasnt really related to disabled adoptions its just the process in general
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