Adopting a different attitude
We’re pretty fed up with reading about Madonna’s baby shenanigans but…
Well actually, there’s no ‘but’ – just ‘we’re pretty fed up with reading about Madonna’s baby shenanigans’.
We mention it because, according to children’s charity NCH, nearly two thirds of people surveyed in the South West think they aren’t eligible to adopt.
With thousands of kids across the country waiting for loving families, the charity is busting myths to make sure potential mums and dads know they don’t have to be Madonna to adopt (which is lucky, cos most of us ain’t).
The NCH National Adoption Survey 2006, launched during National Adoption Week (November 6-10), shows that most people in the People’s Republic are totally in the dark about the rules of adoption.
NCH is calling on people from all backgrounds – older, unemployed, single, disabled, black, Asian, lesbian and gay, paedophile (not really) – to come forward and find out more about adopting.
New legislation came into force in 2005 giving unmarried couples and lesbian and gay couples the same rights when adopting as heterosexual married couples.
Many adoption agencies don’t set age limits for adoption but rather look at what can be offered to the child.
Similarly, being single, disabled or unemployed would not prevent people from adopting – all are considered, they say, on a case by case basis.
Anyone interested in adopting can call NCH’s adoption hotline on 0845 355 5533 throughout National Adoption Week to speak to experts and successful adopters about their experiences - like Madonna and, um, Pippa Fletcher (possibly).
Posted by Thin White Duke
If you liked this story, you could buy us a coffee --------------------------------------------------------------------November 7th, 2006
