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05/11/2013
'Age Myths' Preventing NI Adoption
Myths and misconceptions surrounding age may be preventing children across Northern Ireland from finding a permanent home, according to the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF).
The organisation has released stats to coincide with National Adoption Week that show nearly one in three adults (31%) in Northern Ireland believe being over the age of 40 would stop someone from being able to adopt a child.
The survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of BAAF, also reveals that over a third (34%) consider having a low household income and being unemployed (35%) as barriers to adoption.
Nearly a quarter (22%) believe having a disability would rule a person out as a prospective adopter, while 24% believe being overweight means you are not eligible to adopt.
One in five (19%) of all Northern Irish people surveyed ruled themselves out of adoption as they considered themselves too old to adopt, while one in ten (11%) said being younger would have encouraged them to adopt.
Priscilla McLoughlin, Director for BAAF Northern Ireland, said: "We must dispel these harmful myths in order to recruit more prospective adopters so that we have the widest possible choice of adoptive families for children waiting to be adopted. Being single, homosexual, overweight, or unemployed does not automatically rule you out as an adopter.
"If you have space in your life and home, we urge you to pick up the phone and call your local adoption agency. There are children waiting on your call to give them another chance at a family life."
(IT/CD)
The organisation has released stats to coincide with National Adoption Week that show nearly one in three adults (31%) in Northern Ireland believe being over the age of 40 would stop someone from being able to adopt a child.
The survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of BAAF, also reveals that over a third (34%) consider having a low household income and being unemployed (35%) as barriers to adoption.
Nearly a quarter (22%) believe having a disability would rule a person out as a prospective adopter, while 24% believe being overweight means you are not eligible to adopt.
One in five (19%) of all Northern Irish people surveyed ruled themselves out of adoption as they considered themselves too old to adopt, while one in ten (11%) said being younger would have encouraged them to adopt.
Priscilla McLoughlin, Director for BAAF Northern Ireland, said: "We must dispel these harmful myths in order to recruit more prospective adopters so that we have the widest possible choice of adoptive families for children waiting to be adopted. Being single, homosexual, overweight, or unemployed does not automatically rule you out as an adopter.
"If you have space in your life and home, we urge you to pick up the phone and call your local adoption agency. There are children waiting on your call to give them another chance at a family life."
(IT/CD)
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06 July 2006
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Children's views to help shape adoption strategy
Children who are adopted are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of adoption in Northern Ireland. Following the recent launch of the ‘Adopting the Future’ strategy, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to hear the views of young people aged 12-18, who have been adopted within the last 10 years.
07 October 2003
NI charity 'adopts' new permanent home
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NI charity 'adopts' new permanent home
Monday saw the opening of a new Belfast centre which aims to provide post-adoption support across Northern Ireland. The new centre will help Adopt, one of Northern Ireland's smaller charities, to provide a free tracing service for adoption agencies, both statutory and voluntary, throughout N Ireland.
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Court Ruling Paves Way For Gay Adoption
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Court Ruling Paves Way For Gay Adoption
A decision by Northern Ireland's Court of Appeal has paved the way for same-sex couples to adopt children. According to the Belfast Telegraph, the issue was brought to the Court of Appeal after Health Minister Edwin Poots challenged a previous ruling by Belfast High Court that ruled the current adoption ban on same-sex couples was unlawful.
11 April 2003
Campaign launched to find potential adopters
The Eastern Health & Social Services Board (EH&SSB) recently launched a new campaign to find potential adopters for children currently in care. The Adoption – Share Life campaign aims to make people think again about adoption and recruit prospective parents.
Campaign launched to find potential adopters
The Eastern Health & Social Services Board (EH&SSB) recently launched a new campaign to find potential adopters for children currently in care. The Adoption – Share Life campaign aims to make people think again about adoption and recruit prospective parents.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
