THE NATIONAL Adoption Service for Wales (NAS) is marking its 10-year anniversary as it continues its mission to encourage more people to consider adoption.
This National Adoption Week (October 21 to 27), NAS is celebrating its leading role in establishing a modern approach to adoption in Wales which ensures that prospective adopters understand the needs of children waiting and are supported to meet these needs through childhood and beyond, as well as improving support for others affected by adoption.
NAS was established in 2014 to improve services for all those affected by adoption in Wales. Since its inception, the service has placed 3,000 children for adoption with 2,300 families, supporting adopters and adopted young people through the process and beyond.
In Wales, around 18% of the population are directly connected to adoption*. Currently, there are around 4,500 adopted children and young people and around 7,000 adopted adults living in Wales. NAS has helped many people to access their birth records, trace relatives, and contact birth families.
NAS’ pioneering support services and resources include a UK-leading ‘life journey work’ framework which helps adopted children understand their identity, alongside a progressive approach to birth family contact. ‘Truth Be Told’, an award-winning podcast, has created a space for adoptive parents to confront challenging subjects, and for adopted young people to share their role in changing perceptions and policy.
Suzanne Griffiths, Director of NAS since January 2015, along with a small Central Team, has led the organisation in transforming the way adoption services are delivered in Wales.
Suzanne said: “I am proud of all we’ve achieved delivering the best possible outcome for thousands of children in collaboration across local government and the voluntary sector over the last decade.
“In the ten years since the service was established, we have responded to changing trends within the adoption and social services field. The number of children we now support with complex needs has increased, alongside the number of sibling groups and older children.
“The pool of prospective adopters we support has also changed. We see many more LGBTQ+ adopters with a quarter of adoptions in Wales now by same-sex couples, compared to just one in 10 in 2012. We also see more single-parent adopters and a wider spread of ages of people beginning their adoption journey.
“The next 10 years is as important the first and we look forward to building on the success achieved to date.”
To celebrate 10 years of supporting families across Wales, NAS, along with its collaborators, is inviting Wales’ adoption community to a variety of events with a view to creating works of art and music. These creations will then be displayed at regional exhibitions culminating in a showcase at Norwegian Church Arts Centre on November 6, 2024.
To find out more adoption in Wales, click here.
Case studies:
Jo is a solo adopter who adopted her son in 2023, while in her 40s. Having gone through IVF, her consultant suggested adoption after pointing out that she had other options. Jo had always imagined herself living through the “baby years”, so made it clear to social workers that she wanted a young child.
Her son has a half-sibling who remained with the foster family who also cared for him. Jo says they are now considered a much-loved extended family. Her son, who is very bright, understands why he and his half-sister live separately now but loves going on visits.
Sarah adopted a little boy with her partner James in 2022. She was previously married for over fifteen years and was a step-mum to children from her ex-husband’s previous marriage. But Sarah always knew deep down she would like her own child. After her marriage ended, she was single for eight months before meeting her now husband, James. They went to the same school when they were younger and were surprised to reconnect later in life.
Catrin and Gwawr met in 2014 and from the first date the topic of starting a family was brought up. As a same sex couple, they initially thought about opting for IVF. However, after hearing a story of a child being left at a bus stop, they decided that with so many children looking for loving homes, adoption was the route they wanted to take, and adopted twins.
“For us as a couple, it’s undoubtedly the hardest but best thing we have ever done. Adoption has brought so much joy and richness to our lives and so I am keen to encourage others to consider doing the same.”
