This week I spoke to DJ, TV presenter and I'm a Celebrity star Toby Anstis about his struggle to come to terms with being adopted, why he's backing Action for Children's call for more adoptive parents and why he won't be doing any more reality tv...
This week is National Adoption Week 2009. Action for Children has been tweeting updates on events and media coverage.
Adoption Week: Q&A with Heart FM DJ Toby Anstis
Adopted together:
More support for adoptive parents:
"A huge amount of thought and consideration goes into adopting any child, but especially sibling groups or those who have experienced early trauma. They need extra love and support. It's not always easy, but there are people out there who can do it. Those parents need a lot of support, and I'm not convinced there's enough out there, either through the decision making process or after care."
Adoption in the media:
"There is a storyline about adoption now in Eastenders - Ian Beale and Jane are thinking of adopting - which is showing the difficult decisions adopters have to make and how the early stages of the process work."
"We need more national media coverage of these issues, to encourage more special people, like my parents, to come forward."
Adoption stigma:
"I had amazing adoptive parents and wouldn't change anything in my life, but I did experience a bit of bullying at school due to being adopted. You hope there's no stigma but you always hear of increased difficulties experienced by children who've been in care. It's taken a while for me to feel confident in myself and be able to talk about these issues."
Working life:
"My desire to fit in as an adopted child has probably fed into my working life. Doing television and radio and having people enjoy what I do is a hugely positive affirmation."
Reality TV:
"Going on I'm a Celebrity was an amazing experience. I'd watched it on the television but nothing can prepare you for being in the jungle yourself. It was hard - I won't be doing anything like that again but I'll definitely be watching it this year, and talking about it!"
Leave a comment