Bridging Gaps and Amplifying Voices: My Mission to Foster Diversity in Adoption and Foster Care

By Ade Larigo

From the beginning of my social work career, I have been keenly aware of the significant role and responsibility it entails, especially in safeguarding vulnerable children.

My time in the UK foster care system highlighted a critical matter that would ultimately shape my professional path: the urgent requirement for diversity among individuals who have the authority to approve families seeking to adopt or foster children within the care system. In the UK adoption and foster care system, these individuals are referred to as panel members.

In order to address the negative impact of limited diversity in the UK care system, a standardized approach was often used, which overlooked the unique cultural, ethnic, and heritage needs of children. To tackle this issue, I established an agency that is dedicated to revolutionizing the adoption and fostering process through the use of technology. Although small in size, this initiative is driven by ambition and aims to make a significant difference.

The Power of Panels: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Dialogue

In 2016, I began a transformative journey without even realizing it. My goal was to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children by joining a group of dedicated individuals who assist adoption and foster care agencies in approving families for these children. However, once I started my role, I noticed a significant lack of diversity among these panels. This lack of representation can lead to decisions that overlook the diverse backgrounds and heritage of both the children and the adoptive/foster families. To tackle this issue, I have created an organization that aims to achieve equal representation, with a particular focus on underrepresented black children. Our organization is introducing a job board platform that will revolutionize panel recruitment by prioritizing inclusivity and streamlining the process.

Our goal is to make it easier for more people to learn about these panel roles and mentor them to accurately reflect the diversity of the children they serve. We aim to assist adoption and foster care agencies in the UK in moving away from traditional recruitment methods that may be biased.

Technology as an Enabler: Enhancing Panel Diversity

My agency’s main goal is to empower panels by embracing diversity and technology. By bringing together a more inclusive group of individuals to assess families for children, we aim to guarantee that each child’s distinct requirements are not only acknowledged but also fulfilled. This approach will result in a more considerate and effective process of matching children with suitable families. It is essential to ensure that the perspectives of all children, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, are listened to and appreciated.

Setting New Standards: The Evolution of Recruitment

Our aim in improving our job board is to set new standards for how adoption and fostering agencies find panel members. We are working towards a more transparent, accessible, and efficient process that will attract a wider range of candidates and bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the panels.

This significant change will not only benefit the children and families involved in adoption and fostering but also contribute to a larger movement towards inclusivity and fairness in society.

A small agency has the potential to ignite change

Agency Connection is an excellent illustration of how small businesses can have a big impact on promoting widespread change. Our main goal is to address the challenges related to diversity in adoption and foster care, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that every child in the UK’s care system can be placed in a loving home that fully embraces their individual identity and nurtures their growth and cultural background. Inspired by personal experiences and driven by our shared commitment to making a difference, we are firmly committed to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world for vulnerable children.

Making a Difference: Collaborations, Grants, and Advocacy for Adoption

Our commitment to making a difference gained momentum with the support of like-minded organizations. Charitable grants from organizations like Hatch Enterprise UK, and my participation in the UK’s first LinkedIn accelerator program allowed us to use social media to increase the reach of our mission.

This not only improved our agency’s visibility but also gave us opportunities to shape national adoption policy and practice. Engagements such as speaking at events and consulting with the House of Lords on improving adoption legislation and the system for underrepresented communities have been important milestones in our journey.

The Ripple Effect of Endorsements

Endorsements from clients and colleagues have greatly enriched my journey. A single referral led to a significant project that expanded my professional network and deepened my understanding of adoption and fostering.

Beyond the Immediate Circle

Active engagement on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram has opened doors to new territories, including podcasts, global summits, and various honors. This visibility has shown the value of connecting with diverse experiences and opportunities beyond one’s immediate professional circle.

The Power of Connections

Connecting with extraordinary individuals worldwide has brought invaluable insights and expertise to our work and community. These interactions highlight the potential for growth through strategic networking.

Collaborative Success

Fostering collaborations within my network has led to fulfilling and impactful partnerships. These collaborations demonstrate the strength and success that comes from uniting individuals towards a common goal.

Making Impact

Speaking at the House of Lords was a surreal experience for me. It provided an opportunity to advocate for changes in the English adoption system, which we were able to achieve through our visibility on LinkedIn. This opportunity served as a powerful reminder of how social media can be used to make a positive impact in areas that matter to us.

To learn more about our mission and support this vital cause, please visit our website at www.agencyconnection.co.uk and follow our journey on social media.

About Ade

Ade Larigo is the founder and CEO of Agency Connection, helping adoption & fostering agencies to recruit high-caliber individuals for their panels

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo