To mark Adoption Week Scotland, the country’s leading children’s charity is today encouraging people who are interested in providing a stable, loving, nurturing home to consider applying to be prospective parents.
The Barnardo’s Scotland Adoption Service, which recently reached the milestone of their 100th child moving to a new family, are hosting a series of awareness-raising events as part of Adoption Week Scotland.
Anne Whyte, the Assistant Head of Business for Family Placement Scotland at Barnardo’s, said: “In line with The Promise, the Barnardo’s Scotland Adoption Service believes that all children deserve a loving family – especially those who have been waiting the longest – including siblings, older children, those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and children with complex needs.
“We’re looking for families to make a positive difference to these young lives. Barnardo’s Scotland Adoption Service support families so that children live in permanent, loving, nurturing homes.”
A parent who adopted through Barnardo’s commented that the preparation and training that Barnardo’s provides helped them to support their child with the trauma that they had experienced. This is an essential part of being an adoptive parent.
The parent said: “What ‘family’ means is love and comfort; the people in your life that are your world, and you do everything for. Their bad days are your bad days, and their achievements are far greater than anything you can accomplish alone.”
Another parent added: “It’s a long process, but so worth it. I can’t believe we have our son now. He makes our family complete. My advice to those thinking about adopting would be: ‘Don’t hesitate, don’t just think about it – go for it!’ It will be too late one day, and you may regret not grabbing the chance you have now.”
The Barnardo’s service was inspected by the Care Inspectorate in Scotland and recently received a ‘very good’ grading, which is a fantastic achievement and evidence of the dedication, skill, and commitment from the team. To find out more about adopting with Barnardo’s Scotland, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/adopt.
Adoption Week Scotland is running from November 20th to the 27th, with a theme of Listening to and Supporting the Experience of Adoption in Scotland. For more information please visit: https://adoption.scot/adoption-week/.
Barnardo’s Scotland supports children, young people and their families in more than 125 specialised community-based services across the country. The charity works with children, young people, parents, carers and communities to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.