An 18-year-old woman is campaigning for a change in law which would allow adults to be adopted.
The anonymous woman, from west Hull, claims she has always been ‘the odd one out in her family’, which she says has led to various mental health issues.
She wants her friend to adopt her and believes she ‘should have the right’ to a loving family home – just like everyone else.
The woman claims that as a result of a difficult relationship with her family – who she no longer lives with – she faces many self-esteem issues.
An 18-year old woman from Hull is fighting for a change of law that would allow adults to adopt.
While seeking help after leaving her family home, the woman met a new friend, in her 40s, who she says has become a ‘key’ motherly figure in her life and wants her to adopt her.
Unfortunately, her adoption wishes can’t be granted because adoption in the UK is not allowed for children below the age of 18.
The government website states: ‘To be adopted, a child must be under the age of 18 when the adoption application is made, or not be (or have never been) married or in a civil partnership.
‘Both birth parents normally have to agree (consent) to the adoption, unless they cannot be found, they’re incapable of giving consent, for example due to a mental disability, or the child would be put at risk if they were not adopted.’
The woman is now pleading for change and wants people to sign the petition to change UK laws surrounding adoption.
Speaking about her relationship with her friend, she explained: ‘She has been looking out for me and I want her to adopt me.
I told her, “I wish you could adopt my baby” and she agreed. I told her about how it would be nice to have a second family who can love me better.
“She said, “I would take care of you.” She felt sorry for me and has always acted as family. I want to feel like I belong to a family that fits, instead of being the odd one in the family.
‘I was neglected in my teenage years so it has affected my self esteem. I am too different from my family. My outer family and closer family are strained.
‘It would be nice to have a proper family in my life because my brothers are awful to me and my family are strange. I am the odd one out. They don’t get it. I am outgoing and outgoing.
‘Even though I am an independent and an adult I need a second family, and deserve to have a proper family like everyone else.’
The woman is now pushing for people to back the parliament petition allowing people aged 18 and over to be adopted.
The petition reads: ‘The Government should give adults the right to be lawfully adopted by the people they regard as their parents.
‘Adoption shouldn’t be reserved for children in their adolescent years. Parenthood extends after the age of eighteen and this should be recognised in adoption law.’
The woman needs 10,000 signatures to get the government to respond to the petition, and 100,000 to be up for debate in parliament.