West Yorkshire Families Encouraged to Consider Adoption

National Adoption Week highlights need for loving homes

During National Adoption Week (20–26 October 2025), One Adoption West Yorkshire is urging families across the region to consider providing a stable and loving home to children waiting to be adopted. The regional adoption agency, which represents all local councils in West Yorkshire, is emphasising that adoptive families do not need to be “perfect” but simply ready to offer safety, love, and belonging.

Campaign challenges misconceptions about adoption

A recent You Can Adopt survey found that 86% of adoptive parents initially worried they needed a “perfect home” to be approved. However, many adoptive families have modest living situations: 41% had two bedrooms or fewer, 65% had no garden, and 25% rented their homes. The campaign aims to dispel myths that may discourage potential adopters.

To mark the campaign, an immersive installation called A Welcome Home was unveiled in London and is scheduled to visit Leeds Station. The pop-up kitchen installation, co-created by adoptive families, is designed to reflect the everyday realities of family life.

Support from public figures and local families

The campaign has received backing from notable figures including Prue Leith, an adoptive mother and grandmother, Dilly Carter, an adoptee and author, Sanam Harrinanan, an adoption social worker, and Oscar-winning author Charlie Mackesy.

Prue Leith commented on the installation, noting the importance of everyday moments in building family bonds and describing adoption as “messy, joyful, challenging, real, and rewarding.”

Adoption demand and challenges

One Adoption West Yorkshire reports a 12% decrease in new adopter registrations over the past year, attributed in part to the cost-of-living crisis. This has resulted in longer waiting times for children to be matched with families, sometimes exceeding 18 months.

Currently, the agency is seeking families for over 100 children of various ages, with more than 40% being two years old or younger.

Local families share their experiences

Several adoptive parents from Yorkshire have shared their stories as part of the campaign:

• April, mother to two children, reflected on overcoming the misconception of needing the “perfect time” or home before adopting, emphasising the joy found in everyday family moments.
• Amanda, also a mother of two, described how baking has become a meaningful family ritual that fosters connection and calm.
• Emma and Mike stated that adoption was their primary plan and highlighted the challenges and rewards of parenting, noting that their home is now “louder and messier” but full of life.

Information and support for prospective adopters

One Adoption West Yorkshire will host a pop-up information stall on Wednesday 22 October from 10am to 3pm on Albion Street in Leeds city centre. Those interested in learning more about adoption can speak with the team directly.

Further information about adoption and support services is available on the One Adoption West Yorkshire website or by calling 0113 378 3535.