SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity celebrates Big Adoption Day on the 5th June by reporting that its Adoption service had 12 children placed with SSAFA approved adopters last year.
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.
There are thousands of children waiting to be adopted and the aim of Big Adoption Day is to highlight this need. SSAFA wants to encourage serving members of the Armed Forces who are considering adopting a child to find out more about the process and the support available to them.
While many serving members of the British Armed Forces can adopt via their Local Authority near to where they live, some adoption agencies do not accept applications from serving personnel due to misconceptions about the military lifestyle. SSAFA are the experts in this area and understand the complex demands of military life and specialise in translating this into a successful adoption journey.
There is no typical adoptive parent. At SSAFA we work with a wide range of people, providing homes for children with a range of needs.
Last year, the SSAFA adoption team also helped 46 families, including 82 children with its Post Adoption Support service.
Post-adoption support is the responsibility of the Local Authority, however if this service falls short for military families then SSAFA offers support and advocates on behalf of children and their families. The service provides a lifeline to families who have adopted through SSAFA and hit a bump in the road.
Jill Farrelly, Head of SSAFA’s Adoption Service, said: “SSAFA is incredibly proud to have supported 12 children to be placed into loving families last year.
“Military adopters often struggle to adopt through traditional routes, but we know from experience that military families have significant strengths which make them ideal adopters.
“They tend to be resilient, tenacious and resourceful with a can-do attitude and a sense of humour, which are particularly useful attributes when it comes to parenting vulnerable children who have had a difficult start in life”.
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.
To find out more, please contact Emily Housden by emailing Emily.housden@ssafa.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Last year our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 82,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
