This week marks National Adoption Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the myriad journeys that lead to adoptive families.

This year’s theme emphasizes that the path to creating a family isn’t confined to traditional routes; families truly come in all shapes and sizes.

Adopt South West is playing a pivotal role in this celebration with their latest campaign, which features a poignant short film set aboard a train. This film beautifully intertwines the stories of three adoptive families, capturing their unique experiences and the emotional connections that come with adoption. Much like trains serving as vessels that connect people, the adoption journey links individuals together in profound ways.

Despite the ongoing efforts to raise awareness, there has been a troubling decline in the number of individuals stepping forward to adopt. Currently, across the South West region, 22 percent more children are now in need of adoptive homes than in recent years. Many children with plans for adoption remain without families, leading to delays in finding their forever homes.

As National Adoption Week unfolds, it highlights the urgent need for more approved adopters willing to provide a loving home. It serves as a powerful reminder that every child deserves a family, and through initiatives like these, hope remains. Let’s celebrate the diverse and beautiful families formed through adoption and encourage others to consider the gift of providing a child with a loving home.