Adoption Partnership South East (APSE), a partnership between Kent County Council, London Borough of Bexley Council and Medway Council, works to find adoptive families for children who need the security, stability and sense of belonging that a permanent family can provide.
National Aoption Week is celebrating 100 years of legal adoption in England and Wales.
This year is particularly significant as 2026 marks the centenary of the Adoption of Children Act 1926, the landmark legislation that established the first legal framework for adoption in England and Wales and gave adoptive parents legal parental rights and responsibilities. Over the past century, adoption has evolved considerably, becoming increasingly focused on meeting the welfare, safety and long-term needs of children.
The week also highlights the ongoing national "Every Day is Everything" campaign, which celebrates the ordinary moments that help adopted children feel safe, loved and connected. New analysis published as part of the campaign shows that adoption services across the South East continue to face growing demand. In 2025/26, around 170 children in the region were actively waiting for an adoptive family, while the number of children with a Placement Order who had not yet been placed had risen by 45% since 2021/22, from 220 to 320. The report also found that there were 390 adopter registrations across local authority and regional adoption agencies in 2025/26, although registrations remain 9% lower than in 2021/22.
The campaign explains that adoption is not about being a perfect parent, but about being there for a child every day through life's ups and downs focusing on the importance of everyday experiences such as family meals, bedtime stories, school runs and shared routines, which can make a lasting difference to children who have experienced uncertainty in their early lives.
Adoption Partnership South East supports adopters in Bexley, Kent and Medway.
Anyone interested in adoption can begin their journey by contacting APSE, attending an information event, or speaking with an adoption adviser. The adoption process includes an initial enquiry, home visits, preparation training and assessment, designed to ensure adopters are ready and supported throughout their journey.
Importantly, there is no single "perfect" adopter. Adoption Partnership South East welcomes enquiries from people from all backgrounds. You can apply to adopt if you are aged 21 or over, whether you are single, married, in a civil partnership, living with a partner, divorced, employed, unemployed, a homeowner or renting your home.
Many children waiting for adoption are older, part of sibling groups, or have additional needs. APSE is particularly keen to hear from people who can offer these children a stable and nurturing family life.
Amy Coombs, Head of Adoption Partnership South East (APSE), said:
“Adoption can make a lifelong difference to a child. At APSE, children are at the heart of everything we do, and our focus is on finding loving, secure and permanent families that are right for them.
“The message behind ‘Every Day is Everything’ really reflects what adoptive family life is about. It is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is about being there, building trust and helping a child feel safe, loved and that they belong. The ordinary moments, sharing meals, reading a bedtime story or doing the school run, can mean so much to a child.
“We need more people to come forward, particularly those who could consider adopting brothers and sisters and children with additional needs. Adopters come from many different backgrounds, and you do not need to fit a particular mould. If you are over 21 and can offer a child commitment, stability and love, please do not rule yourself out. Get in touch with us, come to an information event and start a conversation, you could be the family a child is waiting for.”
Adoption Partnership South East is the regional adoption agency for Kent County Council, Medway Council and the London Borough of Bexley. It finds and prepares adoptive families and provides support throughout the lifelong adoption journey.
If you're interested in adopting a child, or need some post-adoption support, and live in these areas, call 03000 422 373 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), attend an information event, visit www.adoptionpartnershipsoutheast.org.uk or email at adoption.partnership@kent.gov.uk
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Notes to editor
About Adoption England
Adoption England is a collaboration of regional adoption agencies working together with a small central team working nationally, aiming to improving adoption practice and develop support and services to better meet the needs of children and families. Adoption England receives funding from the Department for Education and works in partnership with all agencies involved with adoption in England, including voluntary adoption agencies and local authorities, as well as specialised adoption charities and third sector services.
About Adoption Partnership South East
Adoption Partnership South East (APSE) is a Regional Adoption Agency providing adoption services for the London Borough of Bexley, Kent County Council and Medway Council.
APSE put children at the heart of their decisions; the children come first, and they are dedicated to finding loving, secure, and permanent homes that are right for them, whilst also providing a range of tailored support to children and families who have come together via adoption.
With a multidisciplinary approach and established network of peer and professional support, community groups, therapeutic programmes, and annual events, ASPE ensures adopters are not only well-informed but also well-connected.
In turn, ASPE is looking for adopters with:
- a willingness to learn and grow as a caring parent
- flexibility to navigate both the rewards and challenges of adoption - APSE provides a comprehensive support service for families, and most importantly,
- a commitment to providing a safe and loving home.
National Adoption Week is the ideal time to demonstrate that adoption is not just a process; it’s a supported journey, and APSE is here to walk it with you.
