https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_hZygnihsA
Animation looks to dispel the myths of military adoption
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is celebrating National Adoption Week with an animation featuring success stories of its military adopters.
The animation features the stories of two children showing what life is like living in a military family which looks to help dispel the myths of military adoption.
These myths include concerns around the lack of stability due to regular postings or deployment, military families may be over disciplined or lack the structure of a 9-5 working parent.
SSAFA runs an independent adoption agency that works with local authorities to provide support for anyone who is currently serving who wishes to create a family through adoption. The service has approved 322 military adopters since 1964 and offers lifelong support to families.
From over 50 years of experience, SSAFA has found that military families are incredibly resilient and are able to offer a safe and stable environment for children to grow and enjoy a healthy constant family life.
Growing up on a military base offers a ready-made community of like-minded families who look out for one another and hold regular events and activities for children.
All serving parents are offered up to 12 months adoption leave, can re-house families into larger family accommodation and many military families are able to have a home based parent.
Stephen Richards, Head of SSAFA’s Adoption Service, said: “Sadly, in some cases, military adopters are being overlooked and their Forces commitments are seen as a barrier to adoption.
“From our 50 years of experience, we know a career in the military can prepare adopters with many of the skills required to be a good adoptive parent including resilience, team work and being able to maintain strong relationships.
“We are currently working in partnership with the Department for Education to help local authorities better support the adoption process for serving personnel and help them understand the needs of military adopters. Together, we hope to be able to provide more stability for adopted children with military families.”
If you or someone you know is currently serving and would like to adopt, encourage them to get in touch with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. To find out more, visit www.ssafa.org.uk/adoption
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Notes to editors
About SSAFA:
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity (formerly known as the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association), provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, and their families. This includes both regulars and reserves.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity provides lifelong support to our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. We began our work in 1885. This year our staff and teams of volunteers helped over 67,000 people – from World War Two veterans to those involved in more recent conflicts and their families.
For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
