The myths preventing adopters coming forward

A quarter of adults still believe that being over the age of 40 would stop someone from being able to adopt a child according to a survey commissioned by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.

The survey, timed to coincide with National Adoption Week, also found that a fifth (22%) thought having a disability would rule a person out as a prospective adopter. Being single (17%) and having a low household income (31%) were also believed to be significant barriers to adopting.

Alan Wood, deputy chief executive at BAAF, said the UK had one of the most open, liberal and supportive criteria for those interested in adopting.

“Most adopters have overcome various challenges in their lives and have the evidence to show they have emerged more resilient, more insightful and more child-centred. These are the qualities that count.”

He said the charity was concerned that such myths continued to exist and were preventing potential new adopters coming forward when there was such a chronic shortage.