By Grace, Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer
As PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer, I recently had the opportunity to attend our adoption preparation course as an observer.
Going into the course, I was interested in more than just the content. I wanted to understand how inclusive the environment felt, whether conversations around identity were handled sensitively, and how well the needs of a diverse group of adopters were considered.
What I found was a course that not only prepares people for the practical realities of adoption, but also encourages deep reflection about identity, belonging and relationships.
Identity matters
One of the sessions that stayed with me most was the discussion around identity and the importance of a child’s name. It served as a powerful reminder that adoption is not about creating a new story for a child, but about honouring the story they already have.
As someone who works to increase diversity within adoption, I was pleased to see how identity was woven throughout the course. Discussions encouraged prospective adopters to think about the importance of a child’s culture, ethnicity, faith, language, heritage and personal history.
For children who may already feel a sense of loss and uncertainty, having adoptive parents who actively celebrate and nurture their identity can make a huge difference to how they see themselves and where they feel they belong.
Listening and learning
The course covered some difficult but essential topics, including trauma, abuse, neglect and attachment. While the content was challenging at times, it was delivered with compassion and sensitivity.
What struck me was the willingness of attendees to openly reflect on their own experiences, assumptions and future parenting approach. There was a genuine desire to learn and better understand the needs of the children who may join their families.
One of the things that impressed me most throughout the course was the depth of knowledge and experience of the social workers leading the sessions. While the course content is comprehensive, it was their ability to bring the learning to life through real examples from their professional practice that made a real impact.
The trainers drew on years of experience supporting children and families through the adoption journey. They were able to connect theory with real-life situations, helping prospective adopters understand not just the “what” but the “why” behind therapeutic parenting approaches, attachment theory and supporting children who have experienced trauma. This helped make some of the more complex topics feel relatable and practical.
Another real strength of the course was the involvement of adopters who generously shared their lived experiences. It takes courage to talk openly about both the joys and challenges of adoption, and their contributions provided invaluable insight for those just beginning their journey.
I particularly appreciated that attendees were given dedicated time to speak with the adopters without the trainers present.
For me, these moments highlighted the value of learning from those with lived experience alongside professional expertise. Together, they created a rich learning environment that felt authentic, balanced and supportive.
Inclusion Is about more than representation
When we talk about diversity, it’s easy to focus solely on visible differences. What I observed during the course was that inclusion goes much deeper than that.
I paid close attention to whether people felt comfortable asking questions, sharing their views and being themselves. The facilitators worked hard to create a safe space where everyone could contribute and where different perspectives were respected.
As an observer, I found myself reflecting on how important it is that prospective adopters feel accepted and welcomed, regardless of their background, relationship status, faith, sexuality or life experience. The more we create environments where people can be authentic, the more likely we are to attract a diverse range of adopters who can meet the needs of the diverse children waiting for families.
Understanding the children waiting
On the final day, discussions focused on children waiting for adoption, including sibling groups, older children, children with developmental delays or disabilities, and children from minority ethnic backgrounds.
This part of the course felt especially important to me. It highlighted the reality that there is no single profile of a child waiting for adoption. Every child brings their own experiences, strengths, challenges and identity.
I left the course feeling encouraged by what I had seen. The programme doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, and it encourages prospective adopters to think beyond the practicalities of parenting and consider the lifelong impact of adoption on a child’s identity and wellbeing.
Most importantly, I saw people who genuinely wanted to learn, listen and prepare themselves to meet children’s needs with empathy and understanding.
For me, observing the course was a reminder that diversity and inclusion are not separate topics. They are part of every conversation about identity, attachment, belonging and family.
Every child deserves to grow up feeling accepted, understood and proud of who they are. I was pleased to see those themes reflected throughout the course and look forward to continuing to support PACT’s commitment to creating an inclusive adoption community for all
