22 children in Cornwall need loving families to adopt them
The local authority is backing a new campaign that aims to increase the number of people stepping forward to find out more
Last updated 17th Sep 2020
Cornwall Council has revealed the number of children in the Duchy who are on the adoption list longing for families to come forward to care for them.
The authority says figures suggest 22 need adopting as it gets behind a new national campaign #YouCanAdopt featuring singer Sinitta and TV Vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant.
This encourages people to consider becoming adoptive parents, dispel some myths around eligibility, and target potential parents from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Cornwall Council said a recent report showed 43% of people in the South-West admitted they didn't know if they were eligible to adopt and 32% think they wouldn't be able to.
The report also revealed that 39% of adults in the South West have considered adoption or would consider adoption in the future. But, despite this, 71% of adults do not feel they know much about the adoption process.
“There are still many myths surrounding adoption specifically around who can adopt, age and even accommodation worries. We are behind the campaign in helping to answer some of these questions that make people assume they can’t adopt.
"We want to raise awareness of the needs of harder to place children who wait the longest for their families. We are looking for people who have the motivation, commitment and love to be a great parent.”
Ruth Marriott, CEO at Families for Children
“We know that lots of people think about adopting but wonder whether they might be eligible and so don’t take that all-important first step. Hopefully this new campaign will convince them to come and talk to us and dispel those myths.
"There are children locally and nationally from all backgrounds waiting for forever homes and that’s why we need people from all walks of life to come forward and help us to give them the love and care that every child needs to thrive, whatever their background.
"All adoption agencies hold information events across the South West to inform and discuss the process of becoming an adopter, the services they provide and the vulnerable children who are currently waiting.
Cllr Sally Hawken, Cabinet Member for Children & Wellbeing, Cornwall Council