Parents in Adoption Mid and West Wales urge more families to consider adoption

This National Adoption Week (19-25 October 2026), the National Adoption Service for Wales is asking more people across Wales to consider adoption when planning their families.

National Adoption Service Wales is celebrating the second year of its Now is a Good Time campaign, inspired by stories of the lifechanging moment parents took the decision to begin the adoption process.

Across Wales, initial enquiries to adopt increased by 10% over the last year – a positive change following several years of decline. However, the need for adoptive families has also grown. The number of children waiting to be adopted increased by 11%, with 310 children currently waiting.

One parent hoping to encourage others to consider adoption is Carys from Ceredigion, who adopted through Adoption Mid and West Wales.

Shortly before marrying her husband, Aled, Carys was told she would be unable to have children naturally without fertility treatment. After considering their options, the couple decided to pursue adoption and begin growing their family in a different way.

Carys, adoptive parent with Adoption Mid and West Wales, said: “When that child comes home and they’re in your hands, it’s all worth it.

“There’s never the perfect time. The perfect time is when they’re home.”

Watch more of Carys’ story here (opens in new window).

Cabinet Member for Young People and the Well-being of Future Generations, Cllr Marc Tierney said: "Every child deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, valued and loved. The regional work of Adoption Mid and West Wales highlights the importance of connection, belonging and support throughout the adoption journey.

“This National Adoption week we should ensure that the region’s shared commitment to helping children find permanent, loving homes and ensuring families have access to the support they need to thrive is at the forefront of our minds.

“I would strongly encourage anyone interested in adoption to take that first step to explore the information available and consider the real positive difference they could make in a child's life."

Eifion Burke, Director of National Adoption Service Wales, said:  "National Adoption Week provides a great opportunity to share and celebrate the joy created for many families in Wales through adoption. As I begin my journey as Director, I want to take this opportunity to thank all those families who have opened their homes, and to encourage more to come forward.

“Adoption can bring unique challenges, but it is also an incredibly rewarding journey. We want people to know that no one adopts alone. A wide range of support is available to children and adoptive families across Wales, including therapeutic services, peer networks and community-based support, helping families to build strong, positive and lasting relationships.

“Adoption is one of the most powerful ways we can change a child's future. My vision is for Wales to continue leading the way in delivering high-quality adoption services, ensuring that every child, adoptive family and birth family has the support they need not only to overcome challenges, but to flourish and reach their full potential."

For more information about adoption in Mid and West Wales, visit the Adoption Mid and West Wales website (opens in new window).