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Three BIG adoption myths

Adoption has changed a lot over the years, but many people still have outdated ideas about what it’s like. Some think it’s only for a certain type of person or that the process is too complicated or closed off, but that’s not the case anymore.

 

A lot of people rule out adoption straight away because they believe they won’t meet the criteria—they might think they’re too old, don’t earn enough, don’t own their home, or that their life doesn’t look like the “perfect” picture of a family. The truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect family, and adoption today is all about finding real, loving homes for children who need them, not ticking off a list of strict requirements.

 

Modern adoption is more open, inclusive, and flexible than most people realise. What matters is your ability to offer a stable, caring environment and to be there for a child who may have had a tough start in life. If you’ve got love, patience, and commitment to give, adoption could be an option for you.

 

Here are a few myths around adoption and who can apply to adopt.

 

  1. Young Couple Standing Outside Home Together

    You CAN apply to adopt if you’re renting.
    Owning a home isn’t a requirement for adoption – what matters most is providing a safe, stable, and loving environment. Many of our adoptive families live in rented accommodation, and that’s fine. What we do ask is that your home has enough space for a child (or children), which includes them having their own bedroom. It’s not about how fancy your home is – it’s about making sure it meets a child’s needs and feels like a secure place to grow up.

  2. You CAN apply to adopt if you have a disability.
    Mental health or physical disability does not disqualify you from adopting. There’s a common misconception that having a mental health diagnosis or physical disability will automatically go against someone in the adoption process—but that simply isn’t true. We warmly welcome applications from people with disabilities and those who have experienced mental health challenges.What truly matters is your ability to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable home for a child. During the assessment process, your diagnosis will be considered as part of a wider picture, with a focus on how you manage your condition and how it might impact—positively or practically—your parenting. Your resilience, coping strategies, support network, and ability to meet the emotional and physical needs of a child are what really count.
  3. You CAN apply to adopt if you have a ‘low’ income.
    There’s a common belief that you need to be financially well-off to adopt, but that’s simply not the case. We don’t expect you to be earning huge amounts of money or to be completely debt-free. What matters most is that you can provide a stable, secure, and loving home for a child.Many people who adopt are on average incomes, and having debts, like a credit card or personal loan, doesn’t automatically prevent you from adopting. During the assessment process, we’ll explore your financial situation to understand how you manage your money and ensure that adoption wouldn’t place you under financial strain.