Today marks the beginning of National Adoption Week, and building on last year's work, this year the week is highlighting the importance of identity and relationships for adopted people. As a primarily international adoption agency, IAC is pleased to see the evolution of the week from being focussed on the recruitment of adopters to focussing on the needs of adopted people.
Adoption remains a complex area of social policy, as we know so much more about its impact on adopted people. At IAC, we firmly believe that all children belong in families. However, whilst adoption can offer love, security and belonging, the loss associated with being an adopted person can be hugely significant too. More adopted adults than ever are now speaking about their experiences of being an adopted person. These experiences vary enormously of course, and at IAC we are working with a growing group of children, young people and adults to ensure that our work continues to be informed by these experiences.
Katherine Samwell-Smith was adopted from Chile as a baby and recently shared her very personal story, having been reunited with her birth mother and a sibling at the age of 44. Katherine also has a personal connection with IAC as she was a Trustee of the charity for over 20 years and in 2021 stepped down to take on a role within the organisation. Katherine is now a Project Worker at IAC, thanks to grant funding from The Hadley Trust and funds raised from the London Marathon. She is responsible for coordinating our direct work with adopted children, young people and adults. Repeatedly we have found that Katherine's own lived experience of adoption resonates deeply with those that she works with.
At IAC we know that for people adopted internationally reunions may never be possible, so we are actively looking at how we can continue to develop not only our support services but also our preparation and assessment of prospective adopters to build greater empathy and understanding. Our 25th anniversary conference, The Adoption Reconstruction also focussed heavily on the impact of being adopted, as well as the complex identity formation issues that can emerge. Three of our five speakers on the day had personal experience of being adopted adults and all of them shared insights into what being adopted is really like.
In 2022 though, the reality is that poverty, culture and health issues remain key reasons why international adoption is still necessary in so many parts of the world. IAC therefore remains committed to ensuring that anyone choosing to adopt from abroad is as well prepared, assessed and supported as possible. This includes a strong focus on the holistic needs of adopted children right throughout their lives, particularly when it comes to the themes of National Adoption Week 2022; identity and relationships. Of course, this work and learning is equally important for IAC adopters who choose to adopt in the UK.
The National Adoption week film, featuring adopted people speaking to the themes of identity and relationships is available for viewing here.
Anyone adopted internationally and resident in the UK, affected by these issues is free to contact our Advice Line for guidance on support services. Anyone adopted in the UK can use resources listed on the You Can Adopt website. The website also lists events running this week for all adopted people.