This year, National Adoption Week (16-22 October) brings together adopted people from different generations to celebrate how adoption has evolved.
For adopted people, having an understanding of their life before adoption can be crucial to their lifelong sense of identity and emotional wellbeing. This is often through letters, photographs, and childhood toys from birth families and foster carers, and sometimes through meeting up.
Philip Sinden, royal fashion portrait photographer and adoptee, recently captured a collection of powerful portraits featuring those who were adopted between the 1960s and 2010.
Watch the video below to see behind the scenes and hear about their first-hand experiences of adoption.
Luke 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 story book and memory box which was helpful for him to learn about his background and where he came from.
An open line of communication with his adoptive parents allowed Luke to explore his past and feel proud of his journey into adoption.
In adoption today, there is a greater emphasis on the openness of adoption, helping children understand their history and maintaining connections with their birth family, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
More than ever before, adopted people now like Luke are provided with the tools to help form a positive sense of identity.
We need more adopters in Lancashire and Blackpool for brother and sister groups, older children and children with additional needs.
If you could help shape the lives of our children and build loving relationships, then we want to hear from you.
While it might not always be easy, there is a range of support available.
We offer a range of adoption support services which starts with preparation to adopt, and includes support groups, training, workshops, family days and more specialised therapy.
If you are thinking about adoption, have any questions, or just want to find out more, book onto one of our information events.
Book onto an information event
You Can Adopt has released a brand-new podcast for National Adoption Week.
Broadcaster, pop culture expert and adopted person Nick Ede talks to Samantha about her life as an adopted person.
Samantha’s family have three generations of
adopted people – her mother, herself and now
her son.
Nick was also adopted, and didn’t find out until
he was 14 years old.
Listen to the latest #YouCanAdopt Podcast
Over 80% of the children currently waiting to be adopted in Lancashire and Blackpool are brothers and sisters.
Find out about adopting siblings with us.
If you're thinking about adoption, then you can find out more at one of our information events.
Book a place at an information event
If you'd prefer to speak to someone, then give us a call on 0300 123 6727 and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.
