9. Do I have to adopt a child of the same ethnicity as me?

No. Most adoption agencies would prefer some ethnic connection between adopter and child, but children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds wait longer to be placed for adoption because of a shortage of prospective adopters from black and ethnic minority communities. Any adopter can theoretically adopt a child of any ethnicity, provided they can demonstrate understanding of the importance of supporting the child’s ethnic identity throughout their life. No child should be waiting a long time for adoption because of the colour of their skin or their religion.