In England, Black children are over-represented in the care system making up 7% of the total of looked after children compared to 5.5% of the overall child population. Yet when it comes to finding stable, loving homes they are seriously underrepresented with only 2% being placed for adoption.
(Source: GOV.UK, Reporting Year 2024)
Factor in stark figures that show that that Black children wait up to 12 months longer than the average white child for placement with a family (Source: Adoption England) and what we are left with is a system that falls desperately short of the needs of some of the most vulnerable children within our society, through no fault of their own.
This isn’t due to a lack of love or interest from Black communities. They are not disengaged from the plight of these children.
Its the result of societies failings around;
- systemic racism
- lack of diversity within the social work community
- and racial disparities such as household income and accommodation
These are causing real barriers to potential Black adopters which is at the core of some of the life-changing work carried out by the Yorkshire Adoption Agency.
Yorkshire Adoption Agency seeks to remove these barriers and step into the gaps within the current system to bring about tangible changes well ahead of the curve.
One of the most powerful steps we have taken is the appointment of Skye, our new Community In-reach Worker. Her role directly addresses many of the recommendations within the Adoption England 2024-27 strategy which highlighted a lack of trust from some communities and a fear of potentially intrusive elements of the adoption process.
Skye is a veritable force of nature who with a background in social research and trauma is perfectly placed to ensure potential adopters are welcomed, heard and supported. Add to that her own experience as a dual-heritage adopter and she becomes a unique voice within the process that brings so much personal and professional experience and empathy for prospective adopters as they take their journey to create their families.
I for one feel it is very important when working with an organisation to take a moment to look around and see how much that organisation looks like me and welcomes me. This is one of the many reasons why I value my work as a Trustee for the Yorkshire Adoption Agency so much. I see me and I hear my voice reflected in the amazing team and their amazing work.
I am looking forward to seeing how Skye will drive this agenda forward in her inimitable way. Her energy, enthusiasm and cultural awareness are going to be key in breaking down barriers, building bridges and bringing about real change.
Join us in making a difference
This is an exciting time for the Agency as we explore and expand into how we can build lasting partnerships, support our Black communities and most importantly help children of Black heritage find their forever homes.
If you’re considering adoption, or want to work with us to support this mission, get in touch today. Your voice, your story, and your care could be the missing piece in a child’s journey home.