Adoptive dad urges other parents to 'take the leap'

Liam adopted his son when he was four years old

A single dad is urging people who have considered adoption to "take that leap of faith".

Liam, 40, from Swindon, in Wiltshire, is a solo adoptive dad, an experience he describes as "incredibly rewarding".

Adoption experts have warned of an "unprecedented" decline in adoption rates, and Liam has urged other potential adoptive parents not to "wait for the perfect time".

“I know how daunting it can feel to take that first step, but I’m passionate about encouraging prospective adopters, particularly solo dads, to take that leap of faith," he said.

"Adoption has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, and I can’t imagine my life without him - he’s turned my world upside down in the best way imaginable.”

Liam learned he could not have children of his own when he was 23-years-old.

Later in life, he found himself single but ready to be a parent and adopted the four-year-old, despite being a solo dad.

He said he overcame multiple hurdles, including not having other solo dads to relate to.

Now, Liam regularly mentors others considering adoption, providing reassurance to those without a partner that they can do it, just like he did.

With the cost of living hitting families, experts warn that prospective adopters may be holding back.

It comes as a new survey of both adoptive and biological parents reveals that seven in 10 said they "never felt truly prepared" to be a parent. However, 85% now consider it the most rewarding experience of their life.

Miles Asteri (left) described adoption as "the adventure of a lifetime"

For the first time in recent years, there are now more children in need of a permanent home than those coming forward to adopt, with a 14% increase in children needing an adoptive family, compared to 2022-23.

You Can Adopt has launched a new campaign, The Journey, to inspire more people to take the first step towards growing their family.

The campaign is supported by BBC’s The Traitors contestant Miles Asteri, father-of-two, who described adoption as "the adventure of a lifetime".

Mr Asteri said: “Like all families with young kids, we’ve had our chaotic moments, but it’s been rewarding like nothing else.

"Watching our daughters grow into the wonderful little people they are is an unparalleled feeling.

"I would urge anyone thinking about adoption to just start that journey - for us, it’s been the adventure of a lifetime.”

'Loving, permanent home'

National adoption strategic lead for Adoption England, Sarah Johal, said: “Every child deserves a loving, permanent home, so it’s concerning to see that, for the first time in recent years, the number of children in need of a permanent home is now greater than those registered to adopt.

"Like all parenting, adoption is not always easy and there will be bumps in the road, but there is lots of support available – including, emotional and therapeutic. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about growing their family to just take that first step.”