A leading children’s charity in Scotland is making a passionate plea to residents of Lanarkshire to consider adoption, as the number of registered adopters in the region has seen a significant decline. Barnardo’s Scotland has highlighted data from the Scottish Adoption Register (SAR) showing that the number of registered adopters has decreased from 209 in March 2023 to 169 in the same period this year, representing a 19% drop. Additionally, the figures reveal that in the 2022/23 period, 135 prospective adoptive families joined the register, but this number decreased to 105 in 2023/24, indicating a 22% decrease.
The SAR Annual Report has warned about the potential consequences of lower numbers of adoptive families, suggesting that Scotland could face similar challenges to other parts of the UK where there are more children in need of adoption than there are families available. Anne Whyte, Assistant Head of Business for Family Placement Scotland at Barnardo’s, emphasised the urgent need for more adopters to come forward, particularly for children who are older, siblings who need to stay together, and those with complex needs.
Whyte encouraged potential adopters to reach out to agencies, ask questions, and connect with other adopters to gain insights into the adoption process. She stressed the importance of being open to learning, reflecting on personal experiences, and embracing new perspectives. Barnardo’s has been providing essential support to children and families across the UK for over 150 years, with over 170 services in Scotland alone.
For those interested in supporting Barnardo’s or getting involved in adoption, volunteering, or fundraising, they can visit the organisation’s website. The charity is committed to ensuring that every child finds a loving and permanent home. Residents of Lanarkshire are urged to consider adoption and make a positive impact on the lives of children in need of a forever family.