Charity calls for more adopters from Black community

Adoption UK has called for more people to come forward from the Black community and provide a home for a vulnerable child.

At the start of National Adoption Week, the charity has warned there is currently a shortage of adopters from the Black community.

A survey carried out by Adoption UK for its recently published Adoption Barometer report, found less than five percent of adoptive parents came from the black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community.

National statistics reveal that black children are disproportionately represented in the care system.

Figures from the Department for Education show that of the 78,150 children looked after at the end of 2019, 8% were of Black or Black British ethnicity.

But just 3.7% (60) of the 3,570 looked after children who were adopted in England during 2019, were Black or Black British.

The all has been backed by Olympic champion and Adoption UK ambassador, Tessa Sanderson CBE.

‘Eight years ago, my husband Densign and I adopted our beautiful twins who have brought so much love and joy into our lives,’ said Ms Sanderson.

‘We need more prospective adopters to come forward from our community as sadly black children still wait longer to be adopted. Of course, there are challenges but the love and care you can provide to a child can make such a difference and the joy of creating your special family is incredible.’

The charity’s chair of trustees,  Mike Rebeiro added: ‘As an adoptive parent of dual-heritage, I strongly believe that no child should be waiting in care because of the colour of their skin. Interracial adoption can be hugely successful. But there are obvious benefits to placing a child, who is already wrestling with issues around their identity, with a family that looks like them and is well-placed to support their culture and heritage.

‘Adoption can be challenging, and families will usually need support, but three-quarters of adoptive parents told us they would recommend adoption to others.’

Photo Credit – Keyame (Pixabay)