Turning anger into hope

Adoption UK is a charity that was set up in anger. It was established over 50 years ago, around a kitchen table. The parents who came together were angry that they and their children were being let down: let down by a system that didn't understand that adopted children need ongoing support - with school, with their health and emotions and with understanding their identity and life story.  

Whilst we have come a long way since then, and are continuing to improve the adoption system, we are still angry today. I speak to parents all the time about the lack of support they and their children receive. And I speak to adult adoptees about the lack of understanding of the lifelong nature of adoption, and about the barriers they face in accessing information, connecting with family members and getting support. 

I am particularly angry about the way the state keeps people waiting – for an apology for historic forced adoption, and at the moment for news of the continuation of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund in England - while people are left in limbo. Right now, we are pressing government to make this crucial announcement and we do this alongside our community. Read our open letter and get involved here.  

I hear the term ‘postcode lottery’ far too frequently. It is appalling that where you live still dictates the support you get. We are working to get more consistency in support across the UK and in every region. 

I was listening to a podcast with the fantastic CEO of the Children's Society Mark Russell recently. Mark was talking about how the Children's Society was also born out of anger. He also spoke about being hopeful. He said hope is different from optimism, in that it springs from action.  

We are hopeful that the work we do at Adoption UK will make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. And I am very proud of the feedback I receive about our therapeutic work, our community support and our campaigning.  

We are hopeful that together we can change the system, improve understanding of adoption and get people the support they need. Our Adoption Barometer carries the weight of nearly 4000 voices calling for change. And the new Adoption Support Plans being rolled out in England show that that change can happen. 

The hope that came out of the anger expressed around that kitchen table all those years ago is still alive today. And our table is bigger – we are joining with the voices of adult adoptees to call for change.  

Together let’s channel our anger into hope for the future - for all the people we are here to serve.