Yorkshire Adoption Agency joins voluntary adoption agencies across the country to celebrate adoption
On Wednesday 21 January 2026, Yorkshire Adoption Agency (YAA) will be among the voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) from across the UK taking part in Big Adoption Day 2026, highlighting the work they do to find loving adoptive families for children waiting to be placed, and the benefits of adopting through a VAA.
Big Adoption Day, led by the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) and the UK’s first children’s charity Coram, will see participating agencies hosting in-person and online events in their local areas, celebrating the real-life stories of families who have adopted. It’s also a chance for anyone interested in adoption to find out more.
Yorkshire Adoption Agency, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, is hosting a Big Adoption Day event at Sheffield Ecclesall Road Library, on Saturday, 24 January from 10:00am, to celebrate the stories of adopters and adoptees. There will be children’s activities and Yorkshire Adoption Agency staff there to talk about adoption.
There is also the chance to learn more about the adoption process from an experienced adoptive parent at Yorkshire Adoption Agency’s ChatAdopt online event, on Tuesday, 27 January at 7:00pm. Email info@yorkshireadoptionagency.org.uk or call 01302 638337.
Why is Big Adoption Day raising awareness about adoption?
3,000 children are currently waiting to be adopted across England, of which almost half have been waiting more than 18 months since entering care (1,500)*. There is an urgent need for more prospective adoptive parents to come forward to provide permanent, loving homes for these children.
Sue May, CEO at YAA said; “As a small adoption charity, we operate as one big family, offering lifelong support to our adopters. We work hard to educate and empower our families to support the children waiting for adoption and help create a community of parents and professionals that they can rely on.”
What is a Voluntary Adoption Agency?
VAAs are independent, not-for-profit organisations, offering a personalised service to adopters from all backgrounds.
They have a wealth of experience having placed thousands of children with adoptive families, particularly those who often wait the longest in care, including older children, those in sibling groups, and children from the global majority or with disabilities.
VAAs also provide all of their adoptive families with lifelong support, which is flexible and responsive to what families need, whenever they need it. Read more about why our families choose YAA.
Tracey and Kerry who adopted in May 2025 said; “From the very beginning, the Yorkshire Adoption Agency has been a lifeline. Their professionalism, empathy, and genuine care shaped our experience and helped us prepare in every conceivable way. Our social worker, brought compassion and clarity to every meeting. Her deep understanding of the adoption process and belief in us as prospective parents were empowering.”
*In Q2 2025-26 there were 1500 children waiting to be placed 18+ months since entering care, an increase of 6% (80n) from Q1. Source: Adoption and Special Guardianship Quarterly Data Collection Headline Measures: Q2 2025/26, published December 2025
Blog: What’s the difference between a voluntary adoption agency and a regional adoption agency?