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.
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. SSAFA 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: “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, resourceful with a can-do attitude, which are useful attributes when it comes to parenting vulnerable children who have had a difficult start”.
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. Find out more here.