In celebration of how much adoption has changed through the decades, a powerful set of portraits captured by adoptee and royal, fashion and portrait photographer Philip Sinden has been released. The portraits show striking imagery of eight different people who were adopted between the 1960s-2010s to bring to life how adoption has shaped their lives and identity.
The portraits have been released alongside a short film captured during the photo shoot, which aims to challenge misconceptions about what adoption looks like today.
Historically, adoption was often seen as secretive and hidden, with little information and support provided to help adopted people to understand their history. However, it is now considered vital that adopted people have a good understanding of their history, to help form a positive sense of identity.
In Lancashire, there is still a huge need for more people to come forward to adopt, with a 23% decline in the proportion of children leaving care via adoption over the last five years across the county. The adoption process has changed significantly over the years; it is simpler and quicker, with more support than ever available now.
The campaign highlights individuals who grew up with an adopted family, including Luke, who was adopted with his younger brother, while his three older siblings were adopted by another family.
His adoptive parents supported direct contact which allowed a strong sibling bond. Luke had a life storybook and memory box which was helpful for him to learn about his background. This open line of communication allowed Luke to explore his past and feel proud of his journey into adoption.
Victoria Gent, Chair of Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool said:
"It's really important for adopted people to grow up with a strong sense of identity and connection to their history that shape who they are.
"It's also essential to highlight how much progress has been made in the past decades on the amount of support both adopters and adoptees get, it's simply not a line in the sand once a child has been adopted and we pride ourselves on the support that we offer at all stages of the adoption process.
"If you think you could provide a loving and safe home for a child or sibling group and maintain their sense of identity while they grow, please get in contact with our friendly team."
To view all of the imagery captured by Philip Sinden and the accompanying video, visit the You Can Adopt Website: www.youcanadopt.co.uk
Anybody in Lancashire with a loving home can adopt with the service, as the team welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you could offer a child a safe home, Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool would love to hear from you at the next adoption information evening on October 18 at County Hall from 6pm.
Find out more about adoption by booking a visit to one of the upcoming information evenings at adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk
Published: 18 October 2023
