Since 1995, the US has designated November National Adoption Month – a time to recognise families who have come together through adoption. 

Kath Burton, adoption practice manager with Caritas Care in CarlisleKath Burton, adoption practice manager with Caritas Care in Carlisle (Image: Stuart Walker)
Former president Ronald Regan first introduced National Adoption Week in 1984, before President Bill Clinton proclaimed the first National Adoption Month 11 years later.

Greengate Junior Voice Choir sing in support of the Caritas Care Adoption CampaignGreengate Junior Voice Choir sing in support of the Caritas Care Adoption Campaign (Image: Picasa)
Last year, to mark the event, President Joe Biden issued a statement describing the work his team had done to financially help children and adolescents in the foster care system. He encouraged “anyone who is considering adoption to take that brave and loving step forward, growing their families and adding profound meaning to their lives”.

Barrow mayor, Marie Derbyshire, supported the Caritas Care Adoption Campaign Barrow mayor, Marie Derbyshire, supported the Caritas Care Adoption Campaign (Image: Newsquest)
Closer to home, North West adoption charity Caritas Care has a proud history, with a plaque in the grounds of its head office in Preston commemorating 100 years of child welfare work.

Young film-maker Declan Rose launched a project looking at issues surrounding fostering and adoptionYoung film-maker Declan Rose launched a project looking at issues surrounding fostering and adoption (Image: Newsquest)

It was established in 1897,when a group of local philanthropic Catholics raised enough money to open a boy’s home, St Vincent’s, in response to the appalling conditions they saw around them.

Prince Harry meets with Nellie-Mai Evans and her adoptive father Jeff at the WellChild Awards in LondonPrince Harry meets with Nellie-Mai Evans and her adoptive father Jeff at the WellChild Awards in London (Image: Newsquest)
In 1934 the charity became the Lancaster Diocesan Protection and Rescue Society, the social welfare arm of the Catholic Diocese of Lancaster. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, it provided care and support to children in need, running two homes in Preston and in 1934, being approved as an adoption agency.

A silhouette of an LGBT couple who were hoping to adoptA silhouette of an LGBT couple who were hoping to adopt (Image: Newsquest)

By 1956, the move away from large scale children’s homes saw the closure of St Vincent’s and the opening of two smaller homes, one of which remains as the charity’s head office.

Wendy Webb (left) wished to adopt her unborn granddaughter to prevent Amy Dixon's baby going into careWendy Webb (left) wished to adopt her unborn granddaughter to prevent Amy Dixon's baby going into care (Image: Newsquest)

In 1981, it changed its name to the Lancaster Diocesan Catholic Children's Society and developed a range of new community services. The move towards more community based activities led to a further name change in 1987 to Catholic Caring Services to Children and Communities, shortened later to Catholic Caring Services.

Sue Fitzpatrick was taking part in the Cumbrian Run to raise money for the Animals Refuge in Wetheral, from where she adopted ChesterSue Fitzpatrick was taking part in the Cumbrian Run to raise money for the Animals Refuge in Wetheral, from where she adopted Chester (Image: Newsquest)
Its work continued to grow and diversify, with the setting up of the foster care service in 1998, and the further expansion of its projects and services. The charity remained allied to the Diocese of Lancaster until 2009, when it became fully independent and changed its name to Caritas Care. Its work today continues to be inspired by the same values that drove those who, in different times, raised money to help children who were starving and homeless.