Adoption East Midlands in partnership with Derby City Council are proud to support a nationwide campaign for National Adoption Week.
To mark National Adoption Week, ‘You Can Adopt’ is challenging the myth that only a ‘perfect’ home is suitable for adoption, highlighting instead that what children truly need is a loving and welcoming home.
New findings from You Can Adopt reveal that 86% of adopters initially feared they needed a ‘perfect home’ to adopt. However, the data shows that many successful adoptions take place in rented properties, homes without gardens, and smaller living spaces, proving that a loving environment is what really matters.
Each year, Adoption East Midlands needs more adopters and offers a comprehensive range of services to support adopters throughout their journey from initial enquiry to post-adoption support that includes:
- Pre-adoption Support - Prospective adopters receive personalised support from a dedicated social worker, take part in training to prepare for adoption, and gain access to an online hub with helpful resources and guidance.
- Post-adoption Support - Adopters benefit from ongoing support from experienced social workers, tailored parenting tools, peer connections with other adopters/ our adoption community through events, guidance to local and national resources, and access to a dedicated advice line.
Scott, who has adopted through Adoption East Midlands, said:
When we first adopted, our house was rented. We worried that without long term security, we may not get approved or be overlooked. Social workers quickly reassured us it was not about what we had but what we made it.
Children are not worried about if you own the house or rent it, they just want to feel cared for and looked after and know it’s a place where they will be loved. I really hope this is the home we have created for our children.
The adoption process can be daunting at first, but it is 100% worth it, so much so me and my partner have been through it twice. Be open minded, transparent and most importantly be kind to yourself along the way.
Shelagh Mitchell, Group Manager at Adoption East Midlands, said:
Adoption East Midlands is proud to once again support National Adoption Week, a vital opportunity to highlight the unique journeys of adoptive families and the incredible individuals who support them along the way.
No two adoption stories are the same. That’s why our dedicated team of social workers and family support staff work tirelessly to provide personalised guidance and care tailored to each family’s needs.
It’s a common misconception that you need a ‘perfect home’ to adopt. But the reality is very different, successful adoptions happen every day in rented homes, flats without gardens, and smaller living spaces. What truly matters is providing a loving, stable environment where a child can live.
We invite anyone considering adoption to reach out or attend one of our upcoming information events. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way. We’d love to hear from you.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
National Adoption Week reminds us how vital adopters are in giving children the chance to thrive. Every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can feel supported and grow with confidence.
It’s also important to challenge the idea that you need to be perfect to adopt, but what truly matters is offering care, stability, and love. If adoption has ever crossed your mind, I encourage you to reach out to our dedicated team and find out more. To all those who have already adopted — thank you. Your compassion and commitment have changed lives in the most meaningful way.
If you would like to find out more about adoption, come along to our Adoption in-person and online events. You can find out about upcoming dates on out Adoption East Midlands events webpage.
In-person events in October and November:
- Wednesday 22 October, 10am – 3pm
‘Just Eat’ Restaurant, Level 5, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3NE - Tuesday 28 October, 4:30pm – 7pm
Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG - Wednesday 29 October, 12pm – 2pm
Tesco, 35 Jennison Street, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8QJ - Thursday 13 November, 10am – 1pm
Nottingham Central Library, Nottingham, NG1 6HP - Thursday 27 November, 10am – 1pm
John Lewis, Victoria Centre, Nottingham, NG1 3QA
Online events:
- Tuesday 21 October, 6pm – 8pm
- Wednesday 12 November, 12pm – 2pm
- Tuesday 16 December, 6pm – 8pm
To register for an online information event, please complete our online enquiry form available on the Adoption East Midlands events web page and specify which session you’d like to attend in the box at the bottom of the form. You will receive a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation a few days before your chosen session.
If you wish to consider adopting, call 0115 804 4567 or visit Adoption East Midlands webpage.