A NEW campaign has launched busting some of the myths around who can adopt – and highlight the number of children looking for a new family.

22 children in Cornwall are waiting for families, and they’re among around 3,000 in England.

The new nationwide campaign #YouCanAdopt, is being launched here in partnership with Cornwall Council and the adoption charity Families for Children.

Research shows that many adults have considered adoption, or would consider adopting in the future, but only 25% believed they would be eligible

A new emotive film featuring adoptive families has been released as part of the campaign alongside a podcast series featuring a number of famous voices talking about adoption.

In the film, the adoptive families recite a poem written by comedienne, writer and adoptee Joy Carter, which brings to life the stories of each of the families: the highs, lows and realities of adoption.

Some of the biggest misconceptions around eligibility are that single people, older people, and those who are LGBTQ+ are not allowed to adopt, which is not the case.

The adoption process has evolved over the last few years; it is simpler and quicker than it has been previously and there is a lot more support available.

Ruth Marriott, CEO at Families for Children says, “There are still many myths surrounding adoption specifically around who can adopt, age and even accommodation worries.

“We are behind the campaign in helping to answer some of these questions that make people assume they can’t adopt. We want to raise awareness of the needs of harder to place children who wait the longest for their families. We are looking for people who have the motivation, commitment and love to be a great parent.”

Cllr Sally Hawken, Cabinet Member for Children & Wellbeing on Cornwall Council comments: “We know that lots of people think about adopting but wonder whether they might be eligible and so don’t take that all-important first step.

“Hopefully this new campaign will convince them to come and talk to us and dispel those myths. There are children locally and nationally from all backgrounds waiting for forever homes and that’s why we need people from all walks of life to come forward and help us to give them the love and care that every child needs to thrive, whatever their background.”

All adoption agencies hold information events across the South West to inform and discuss the process of becoming an adopter, the services they provide and the vulnerable children who are currently waiting.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please get in touch with your Local Agency.

Families for Children: https://familiesforchildren.org.uk