‘Laughter and Tears’: North Yorkshire Couple Urge More Families to Adopt Sibling Pairs

North Yorkshire couple share emotional adoption story as charity warns of falling registrations

A North Yorkshire couple, Emma and Mike, adopted a brother and sister in January after the children had spent two and a half years in foster care. The pair say the experience has been full of joy and emotion, and they hope their story encourages more people to consider adoption.

Adoption Matters reports a 12% fall in adoption registrations across England in 2025 compared with 2024, and suggests rising household costs may be a contributing factor. At the same time, demand for permanent adoptive families remains high — there are 390 children currently waiting for adoptive placements in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

'We want them to stay together'

Emma described the relief and happiness of keeping the siblings together: 'There is so much loveliness in them being together and knowing they will always have each other — and we've just got the joy of being able to join in with that dynamic.' She added it was heartbreaking to reflect on how long the children had waited for a forever family.

'Adoption is intimidating. It can be overwhelming — but so is parenting generally,' Emma said. 'We don't want people to think that because we're an adoptive family it must be because it's biologically not possible. That was a factor for us, but adopting siblings felt like how our family was meant to be.'

The couple were first shown video clips of the children and then met them at an 'adoption activity day' where prospective parents can spend time with children. Mike recalled the moment Emma heard their son's giggle across the room: 'Emma heard our son's giggle from across the room and it was really special getting to spend time with them. Emma turned to me and said, 'they have my heart', and it was just that moment where we thought, 'we're all in now, this is it'.'

Charity warns of shrinking support

Jacqui Shore of Adoption Matters told the BBC that more adoptive families are 'desperately needed.' She noted that while adoption numbers have historically fluctuated, the current cost-of-living pressures are unusually pronounced. Shore warned that local authorities are stretched financially and can no longer always offer the adoption allowances that previously helped place older children or sibling groups.

Emma and Mike say their first ten months as an adoptive family have been 'absolutely wild' with much learning along the way. 'We had a trickier start than expected, but we've really cemented ourselves as that safe place and that we're a forever family — we're not going anywhere,' Emma said. 'There's just been a whole lot of laughter. Lots of tears, too, but that's what makes us feel like a regular family.'

If you are considering adoption or want to learn more about supporting adoptive families in your area, local adoption agencies and charities such as Adoption Matters can provide guidance and information.