A man from Wiltshire has shared his experience adopting three children as a campaign has been launched to encourage more people to give a child in need a permanent home.

The campaign called The Journey has been launched by You Can Adopt – a nationwide adopter recruitment programme to highlight a decline in adoption rates and inspire more people to grow their family.

Martin, 40, decided he wanted to have his own family following the birth of his nieces and nephews and after meeting his future husband on holiday, the pair decided to start the adoption process together.

They were matched with three siblings who all had different coping mechanisms to deal with trauma, but eventually began to settle.

But within six months Martin and his partner split, leaving Martin to deal with a complex divorce and keep his promise to provide a loving home to the children.

He said: “People assume that being single, renting, not having a full-time job – I could go on – means they can’t be a parent, but it’s just not true. If you’re committed and wiling, you’ll be absolutely fine. My kids are simply the best thing that has ever happened to me.” 

Sarah Johal, National Adoption Strategic Lead for Adoption England, said: “Every child deserves a loving, permanent home, so it’s concerning to see that, for the first time in recent years, the number of children in need of a permanent home is now greater than those registered to adopt.”

For the first time in recent years, there are more children in need of a permanent home than people coming forward to adopt, with a 14 per cent increase in children needing an adoptive family compared to 2022-23.

Experts warn that families may be holding back due to fears like the cost of living crisis.

Miles Asteri, a contestant from the BBC show The Traitors and adoptive father of two, said: “Before you adopt it’s natural to have lots of questions and worries.

“But I don’t think anyone truly feels prepared for the experience of becoming a parent until their child makes them one. Like all families with young kids, we’ve had our chaotic moments, but it’s been rewarding like nothing else – watching our daughters grow into the wonderful little people they are is an unparalleled feeling.

“I would urge anyone thinking about adoption to just start that journey – for us, it’s been the adventure of a lifetime.”