Adoption in Black Communities: Make a life-changing difference
Across Yorkshire, Black and mixed ethnicity children are waiting longer than others to find permanent, loving homes. At One Adoption, we’re committed to changing that, and we need your help.
Why Black adoption matters
Children thrive when they grow up in families that understand and celebrate their cultural heritage. For Black and mixed heritage children, being adopted into families that share their background can be life changing. It helps build a strong sense of identity, confidence, and belonging, especially in a society where racial bias and underrepresentation can affect self-esteem.
We need you
Black and mixed heritage children are overrepresented in the care system yet underrepresented in adoption. While they make up 7% of children in care, only 2% are adopted, despite being 5% of the under-18 population. Many wait far too long for a permanent home. You can help change that.
What you can offer
If you’re of Black Caribbean, Black African, or mixed heritage, there could be children waiting who share your background.
By adopting, you can:
- Provide a safe, loving home
- Celebrate and promote a child’s heritage
- Help them navigate racial bias with empathy and lived experience
- Share cultural traditions, language, food, and values
- Inspire others in your community to consider adoption
Join a growing community
We’re proud to support Black and mixed-heritage individuals and couples who want to start or grow their family through adoption. You’ll be joining a growing network of adopters who are making a real difference in children’s lives.
Myth-busting adoption in Black and mixed-Black communities
Myth 1: “People from our communities don’t adopt.”
Reality: Black and mixed Black adopters are already transforming children’s lives every day. While adoption may not be talked about as often in some communities, there are many inspiring examples of Black families who have adopted. Your background, faith, or culture can be a real strength in adoption, especially for children who share similar heritage or identity.
Myth 2: “You have to be married or in a couple to adopt.”
Reality: You don’t need to be married or part of a couple to adopt. Single people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all faiths or none can apply to adopt. What matters most is your ability to provide a loving, stable, and secure home for a child—not your relationship status.
Myth 3: “Adoption agencies only want middle-class families with big houses.”
Reality: Adoption is about stability, not status. You don’t need to own a home or earn a high income. Many adopters live in rented homes and have everyday jobs. One Adoption can also guide you through financial support, adoption leave and benefits available to adopters.
Myth 4: “You have to be wealthy to adopt.”
Reality: There’s no fee to adopt a child through a regional adoption agency like One Adoption. You simply need to be financially stable enough to meet a child’s needs. Adopters are also eligible for adoption leave and pay, similar to maternity and paternity leave. Some children with additional needs may receive an adoption allowance, which is based on the child’s level of need and is decided by their local authority, for an initial period.
Myth 5: “You can only adopt a child of your own ethnicity.”
Reality: While it’s important for a child to have a strong sense of cultural identity, agencies don’t expect a perfect ethnic ‘match.’ What matters most is your understanding, openness, and commitment to helping a child connect with their heritage. If you’re from a Black or mixed Black background, your lived experience can be invaluable to children waiting for families.
Myth 6: “Adopted children are always difficult or traumatised.”
Reality: Every child’s story is unique. Some children may have experienced early loss or disruption, but with love, consistency, and the right support, adopted children thrive. One Adoption provides training and lifelong support to help you understand and respond to a child’s emotional and behavioural needs.
Myth 7: “In our community, we look after our own — adoption isn’t necessary.”
Reality: Informal care within families and communities is a wonderful tradition—but formal adoption gives children legal security and permanence that informal arrangements can’t always provide. Adoption ensures a child has lifelong stability, identity, and a sense of belonging that’s legally protected.
Myth 8: “If I adopt with One Adoption, I’d only be able to adopt a child in my local area – which means I might know the child’s extended family.”
Reality: One Adoption is made up of three adoption agencies covering the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber, if you adopt with a One Adoption agency, you would initially be considered for children within the agency’s area – which is made up of either four or five local authorities, so there is much wider geographical area considered. The next consideration would be one of the partner One Adoption agencies and then we would look nationally.
Myth 9: “I don’t know enough about the adoption process.”
Reality: You don’t need to have all the answers before you enquire. One Adoption provides information sessions, preparation training, and personal support every step of the way. Asking questions is the first step toward understanding how adoption could work for you.
Myth 10: “I won’t be supported after the adoption.”
Reality: Support doesn’t stop when a child moves in. One Adoption offers lifelong support, including therapy, training, education advice, and connections with other adopters. You’ll never have to face challenges alone.
Find out more
If you’re thinking about adoption, we’d love to hear from you. Our friendly teams are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.