Adopt South backs national adoption campaign in the wake of concerning report

An adoption campaign has been launched in the wake of an alarming report that warns only 13 per cent of children in care will be homed with adoptive families by 2030.

Adopt South, the partnership adoption agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, is backing the latest campaign from You Can Adopt, to encourage more people to consider adopting.

The national campaign comes after a newly released report, published by Adoption England and Coram, highlights how there were 2,060 children actively family-finding as of March 31, 2026.

The number of children with a Placement Order who had not moved in with an adoptive family increased from 1,980 in 2021/22 to 3,010 in 2025/26. Meanwhile the number of approved adopter families not yet matched with a child decreased by 46 per cent.

The campaign features people with lived experience of adoption, including former Paralympian Ellie Simmonds OBE, The Traitors star Roxy Hotchkiss and her adoptive mum Judy Wilson, and former Love Island winner and post-adoption social worker Sanam Fagan. Their stories highlight that adoptive families come from all walks of life and it is often the everyday acts of love, support and belonging that help children thrive.

Rachel Reynolds, head of Adopt South, said: "We know that many families are carefully considering their finances and family circumstances at the moment. We don't want people to rule themselves out because they think they need a large income, significant savings, own their own home, be married or be a couple.

“What matters most is being able to provide a safe, stable and loving home for a child. Your background, faith or culture are not barriers to adoption. More people could adopt than they realise.

“The Every Day is Everything campaign reminds us that it is often the everyday moments that matter most. Whether it’s the school run, sharing a meal together, helping with homework or celebrating milestones, these are the moments that create a sense of belonging, celebrating children for who they are.

“Understanding and kindness is what children need to feel loved and supported all their lives.”

Adopt South's next online adoption information event will take place between 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday, September 30. The event will feature an adoptive parent from the LGBTQ+ community who will share their experiences, and on Monday, October 5, Adopt South’s information meeting will feature an adoptive parent sharing their adoption journey.

Rachel added: "We would love to hear from anyone, especially those who may be able to offer a family life to brothers and sisters, or children with significant health needs or disabilities. These children can often wait longer for a family, yet we know there are people who have the skills, resilience and commitment to love them for who they are, in the moment, every day.

“Anyone considering adoption is likely to have questions about what family life looks like day to day. That is exactly what we are here for. Our friendly team have a whole range of information to share - they can also explain the support available before, during and after adoption.”

Adopt South provides parenting training and ongoing support, with adoption allowances considered to help a parent stay at home for longer to help families meet a child's or siblings needs.

For more information about booking a spot on the online information event, click here.