Powerful portraits showcase how adoption has evolved this National Adoption Week

To mark National Adoption Week (16-22 October 2023), Haringey Council and Adopt London North join adoption agencies around the country to share a powerful set of portraits captured by London-based royal, fashion and portrait photographer Philip Sinden, who was adopted himself in the 1970s.

The portraits show striking imagery of eight people adopted between the 1960s and 2010s against a backdrop of their own emotive, poignant words that bring to life how adoption has shaped - and continues to shape - their lives and highlights how adoption has changed over the years.

The portraits have been released alongside a brand-new short film captured during the photoshoot that tells first-hand the group’s different experiences of adoption.

Through these powerful stories of adopted people, Haringey Council is supporting the campaign during National Adoption Week to shine a light on the positive impact adoption has had on their lives and the progress made by central government and Children’s Services to ensure children - and their sense of identity - is at the heart of the adoption journey. 

Haringey Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Cllr Zena Brabazon, said:

Haringey Council is pleased to support this campaign in raising awareness of the importance of identity for adopted people.

Adoption has changed over the years, and for children being adopted today, knowing their background and maintaining contact with birth family is now considered a vital part of the mental wellbeing and sense of self for all adoptees.

The film shows how different adoption looks today from 50 years ago for adopted people.

Professionals in this sector have grown in their understanding based on what adult adoptees and research is telling them.

Nowadays, staying in touch with birth relatives - when appropriate - is an expected part of the adoption process and is in the best interests of the adopted child. Every child should have a life story book, a later life letter and memory box, which all helps them stay connected to their past.

Isabelle, who was adopted in the 1980s and features in the film alongside her adopted son Nathanial (adopted in the 2010s), said:

Having been adopted myself, and then going on to adopt my two children, I know the importance of having an open dialogue around adoption.

I want my kids to grow up knowing where they came from and, where possible, maintaining contact with their birth families.

I didn’t know about my birth mother until I was much older, meaning I always had questions about my identity and history.

Adoption is not a line in the sand between one life and another. It is something that should be open and celebrated – and I’m passionate about doing that with both my children.

Haringey Council acknowledges that identity for adopted people can be a lifelong journey and is always evolving. While not all adopted people will have stories or items from their early life, or the opportunity to have contact with people from their life before they were adopted, modern adoption encourages access to a range of quality information.

Philip Sinden, an adoptee himself and the celebrated photographer behind these images, said:

I was adopted in the 1970s and unfortunately didn't know much about my history growing up, but more recently I have been on a journey to find out more about it.

It is encouraging to see and hear from some of the stars of our portraits about how positive they feel about their experiences and how much adoption has evolved.

To find out more about National Adoption Week or to seek information or support, visit: www.youcanadopt.co.uk/NAW2023.