Read what others have said..

Rema, Dullingham
I have two beautiful adopted children. They are half-brother and sister to one another. My daughter is anglo-asian and my son is white. My husband is also white. We decided to adopt after unsuccessful fertility treatment. It's the best thing that we ever did. We have given them both a new start in life and that is a good enough reason.....to make someone's life good.

Listener - California, U.S.A.
It is wonderful that this very important social issue is discussed by your program. As an attorney for children in the foster care system in the U.S., I am all too familiar with the issues discussed in this documentary. I hope that more Asians in the UK will adopt and give these innocent children the love they so desperately want and deserve. It is really unfortunate that many people don't even consider adoption when it comes to family planning.

Saj, Leeds
Please don't be put off by being unempolyed. You can still come forward. Everyone will be taken on their merits. If you have a lot of love to give and a spare room take the first step. I will be the best thing you ever do!!

Roberto: Miami Florida
Those who have the means to adopt should do so. Nothing is so precious as children.

Aloopotinder from Westminster
Why should Asian folk be persuaded to adopt? Its a private and personal choice. I know of many cases where couples who cannot have children wait years to have a child after they visit India/Pakistan to see some Baba, who performes some miracle or whatever. I know of a close friend who wanted to adopt but her husband objected because of the child not being his own and what the community would think. Their are many asian children up for adoption but theres a long way to go to get asians to adopt. They still have a backward mentality and it will always come down to religion, caste etc. When will they learn.

Rumpa, Leicester
This is an excellent topic and once again I want to applaud the Asian network for uncovering issues that send folks hiding under covers. I know a girl who was adopted when she was a month old, she is 18 now but has no clue. However all her relatives are aware and talk about it in secret and by now I bet even she is questioning why they give her funny looks. Her parents do not have any other kids and they can't imagine life without her. However the issue they are facing is that their relatives do not want their property to be inherited by her. Their reason being that she is an outsider. Hence they are ready to treat her as one of them if she lays no claim on an inheritance that will belong to them. I have spoken to numerous people I know on adoption and this seems to be a big issue.

Sabina - West Midlands
My husband and I have been thinking about adoption for 3 years and 4 weeks ago had our first meeting with NCH. It was a really good meeting, but because of impending surgery, we were told that we had to wait. We definitely want desperately to adopt a child. I have a pakistani background and my husband indian. Your programme is suggesting that there is a desperate need to asian parents to come forward. My comment is, that when we do come forward (as we have), then the appropriate agencies/ authorities should try and provide additional assistance to avoid unecessary delays and dissapointments.

mr singh in yorkshire.
im a proud father of 4children,2 of which are my own and 2 adopted. i think more asians should come 4ward to adopt,the stigma surronding bringin up other peoples children is daft,all children need a chance in life that goes for all sexes and all backgrounds. there r asian children out there we just assume there wont be but havin done the course work my wife and i realise there is a need for our people to come 4ward. we have enjoyed bringing up the kids as our own and r pleased they hav had a gud start in life.

Mr & Mrs. Anonymous from Middle England
We are a mixed race couple, Indian hindu and white British, approved for adoption and waiting to be matched with the right child. We have been told in some cases that we're not good enough because we're not Muslim, even when one child was an 'Indian' Muslim. All the focus was on matching the religion and no focus was given to match the race, or to consider what else we could offer. Unfortunately for us there is a predominance of Asian/Muslim children in CARE--more than any other Asian ethnicity, meaning that the available choice for us is very limited. You wouldn't be told at a job interview that you can't be considered for a job just because of your religion, so why should it be a factor in adoption! Both we and the child in question have been discriminated against. A child needs love, security, safety...and so on, first and foremost..., anything else is secondary, and religion should be the very last consideration (not the first), esp. for very young babies who do not yet have an awareness of such things.

Anon
My partner and I are British Pakistani Muslims and we currently foster a teenager, and are looking to adopt in the near future. We have had 2 bedspaces vacant for 12 months for another additional children for which we have been approved to foster aged 0-16 short or long term. I must add we would jump at the chance of having a child like Neo, if only the system could work with all the fostering & adoption agencies to ensure that children like Neo don't miss out on having a 'forever family'.

thebhangradr, cardiff
I think it is vital for Neo to get am Asian family even his foster parents recognise this fact. It is his identity and this seriously matters. But also the love and attention that I hope he will get!!!!And I hope he gets adopted by a British- Asian family.The Asian community needs to recognise the fact that adoption is not bad, and that these children will be yours. Its how you bring them up and make them apart of you that matters. Not the fact that there is no blood connection.

zerina
I am so very sorry to learn this. I made enquiries regarding adoption as I have tones of love but the biggest hurdle that I face is that I do not have adequate space for starters and AM CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED. I love children and would like to make a difference to a little one.

Nikki- Birmingham
This is an excellent topic that is being discussed and investigated. I think asian people are embarrassed and also feel that other people in the community will say bad things. However, I believe that in life you can't please anyone and people will always talk as they have nothing better to do and these people who do talk are little people with little minds and should concentrate on looking at there own lives.Adoption is an extremelly kind thing to do and people who have done this I salute them because it is not easy. I do know some friends who have adopted and they can't imagine life without them. More and more people do need to come forward but it won't happen over night but I can see this generation making more efforts than my parents generation. If famous people like Madonna and Angelina have done it than so can we.