The week will be dedicated to all those impacted by adoption whose stories are often less heard; adopted people, adopters, birth parents and the children’s services workforce.
An emotive animated short film, created by illustrator and adopter Garry Parsons, has been released featuring real life stories of everyone involved in the process.
Today (Monday) is the first day of National Adoption Week 2021, which aims to inform people on the process of modern adoption today, with a rounded, honest, and inclusive portrayal of the journey. It will showcase the highs and lows, and champion all the voices involved in the process that are often less heard. These include adopted children, adopted adults, adoptive parents, birth parents, and the social care workforce.
National Adoption Week brings some of these issues and voices to the forefront in the short film by illustrator and adoptive parent, Garry Parsons. The four-minute video features the life stories and real voices of six people who have had their lives changed by adoption – birth mother Anna; single mum and adopter Sarah; social worker Paula; 11-year-old Roman, who was adopted age five; 19-year-old Tiegan, who was adopted age four; and Sue, who supported her daughter through the adoption process.
Tiegan, age 19, who features in the short film said: “Being adopted has been an incredibly positive experience for me. I love my adoptive mums and I have good relationships with many birth relatives, but it is important people don’t look at adoption with rose-tinted glasses. Growing up would have been much easier for me if people had a better understanding of adoption and how this shaped me as a person.”
Finding the right families for the children waiting to be adopted is key.
Councillor Kamaljit Kaur Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “Adoption transforms and enriches lives, providing love and stability for so many children. It can be rewarding and fulfilling but is also complex. All those embarking on their adoption journey will be affected by the loss and separation that children and others have experienced. It is important that we have more adopters coming forward who understand and can embrace this complexity and who will be a constant support for their children”
In west London, there is a real need for more adoptive families for black or dual heritage children, for siblings, and for children with additional needs. If you want to learn more about adoption, including the support that is provided, you can join information events – find out more by visiting #YouCanAdopt | Adopt London
Adopt London West is a Regional Adoption Agency for Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hounslow boroughs.
