During National Adoption Week (21-27 October), we’re showcasing adoption journeys of all kinds, and the important people who are there along the way, as part of this year’s You Can Adopt campaign 'The Journey'.
Like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes and go through ups, downs and detours during their journey.
No two adoption stories are the same, and what makes every adoption journey unique is the people who are part of it along the way.
In Lancashire, we urgently need more adopters to come forward to provide a safe, stable and loving home for our children waiting to be adopted. We have children of all ages from babies, to older children and some sibling groups who we would love to keep together.
There isn’t a ‘perfect’ time or circumstances to start a family, for a child in need of adoption, the perfect time is now.
If you are thinking about adoption, have any questions, or just want to find out more, please get in touch with our friendly team and book onto one of our adoption information events.
You can find out more about the adoption journey, our information evenings and the support Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool offer on our adoption journey web page.
There are many roads to becoming a family. This National Adoption Week, we followed families on their own adoption journeys. Watch this video to find out more.
Mark, along with his partner Karl, adopted two brothers under the age of 10 earlier this year with Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool. The couple had spoken about adopting for a long time and started their journey in May 2023 by coming to one of our information evenings. After further discussions, the couple decided to adopt a sibling group as they knew they wanted to have more than one child.
Mark said: "We first met the boys on my 40th birthday so that was the best birthday present ever.
"It's the best thing that's ever happened to us. That doesn’t mean that we haven’t had challenges, but the challenges we've had are no different to what a birth parent would have with their children.
"We met an amazing social worker and there's been so much support from everyone involved from Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool."
Karl said: "It was a nerve-wracking experience when we first met our sons, but we knew instantly that we were meant to be a family.
"The boys have just fitted into our family and extended family, it just feels absolutely normal and meant to be. It's a great feeling."
Mark and Karl are also hoping to maintain contact with the boys biological parents which is known as an open adoption. It's something they embrace positively and are really happy to be a part of.
The latest episode of the You Can Adopt podcast for National Adoption Week 2024, features Al Coates MBE, social worker and adoptive father to six, in conversation with 27-year-old Carla who was adopted aged six, and her father, Andrew, discussing their lifelong adoption journey.
They discuss maintaining relationships and identity while tackling common myths around modern adoption.
Listen to the latest podcast and other episodes on the You Can Adopt website.
While it might not always be an easy journey, we're always here for you and 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.
Many 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.
