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Adoption 'definitely worth it', says dad-of-two

David Spereall/BBC A man in his fifties wearing a blue V-neck pullover. He is stood next to an advertising board for One Adoption, which has large writing on explaining what the agency is. A window is behind him. David Spereall/BBC
Mike Westaway said the process of adopting was "lengthy" but "definitely worth it"

The adoptive father of two teenagers has said he would "absolutely recommend" the process of adoption to would-be-parents.

Mike Westaway, from Halifax, adopted two young sisters in 2010 and said while it was "a long proceess, it was "definitely worth it in the end".

One Adoption West Yorkshire, the regional agency which supports families looking to welcome a child, said it was currently looking for 95 new households across the county to adopt a youngster amid a nationwide shortage of adopters, exacerbated by the rising numbers of children going into the care system.

Mr Westaway, 59, said adopting was "a really good thing, especially with the support you get now".

"The groups and support that are out there for adopters now is second to none", Mr Westaway added.

Both One Adoption West Yorkshire and the government have partly attributed the national shortage of adopters to the cost-of-living crisis.

David Spereall/BBC A woman in her fifties with blonde hair and a black leather coat worn over the top of a black top. She is stood partially in front of an advertising board for One Adoption, which has large writing on explaining what the agency is. A desk with various items is over her right shoulder.David Spereall/BBC
Leeds mum Lisa says adopting gave her and her husband the family they always wanted

Lisa, 56, an adoptive mother from Leeds, said adopting two girls gave her and her husband "our family" - something they had both yearned for.

She said: "I'm a massive advocate for adoption. You have your challenges along the way but I absolutely wouldn't change it.

"If it's something you're thinking about, take those next steps. Get more information, educate yourself.

"There is support and information out there. It's about getting as much information as you can so you can make those informed choices."

According to figures from One Adoption, nearly half of all children being put up for adoption across England face an 18-month wait for their new home.

David Spereall/BBC Children's minister Janet Daby, a lady with dark hair, a black jacket and a green and black dress. She is stood partially in front of an advertising board for One Adoption, which has large writing on explaining what the agency is. A desk with various items is over her right shoulder.David Spereall/BBC
Children's minister Janet Daby said the cost-of-living crisis had affected the number of willing adopters across the UK

Children's minister Janet Daby said the UK "absolutely needs more adoptive parents".

Speaking during a visit to the Leeds Regional Adoption Centre this week, she said: "Many people are experiencing the cost-of-living crisis and different areas of hardship.

"I think that has an impact on people's choices and decisions they make.

"Poverty can have an impact, but if people are thinking of adopting, poverty shouldn't be an issue or get in the way of that. They should still explore the possibility of adopting."

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