Press releases

Men urged to consider adoption in new Father’s Day campaign

Issued: 17 June 2009

A new campaign urging more men to consider adoption highlights the role fathers have in the lives of vulnerable children, particularly boys.

ICM research3, commissioned by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF), reveals that while women said they would prefer to adopt a girl over a boy, men would adopt boys over girls. There are more boys in care than girls and BAAF has established that some boys are waiting longer than girls for families. The charity believes that if more men take the initiative to find out about adoption, there is a real opportunity to change the lives of many boys. This Father’s Day, the charity is asking men whether adoption might be right for them by specifically highlighting the positive impact dads can have on children’s lives.

The ICM research also showed that over half (53%) of the people replying felt that the media portrayed boys in an overly negative way. Men felt this more than women, with 55% of men agreeing, compared to 50% of women.

BAAF estimates that there are more than 4,000 children needing new families in the UK every year. If they can get men thinking about adoption they could reach an untapped pool of people that can make a huge contribution to the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children in the UK.

David Holmes, Chief Executive of BAAF, says: “There could be many men out there who would love to become fathers for the first time or to add to their existing family through adoption. But some men may find it hard to voice those wishes.  We know that fathers are important, and men can make a huge difference to children’s lives. This Father’s Day, we hope that we can get more men thinking and talking about the issue.  It is a great opportunity to talk to your wife or partner, family and friends and consider whether you could offer a child a loving and permanent new home.”

Notes to Editors:

1. For more information please call BAAF press office on 020 7421 2636/2 or email joanna.pinto@baaf.org.uk. For out of hours enquiries, call the press office mobile on 07767 444 589.
2. Country and regional spokespeople are available upon request, including for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3. CM interviewed a random sample of 1045 adults aged 18+ from its online panel between 26th -29th September 2008  Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.  ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.  Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.