2026 HTBA survey results
The overall picture for adopted people
Over 3/4rds (76%) of respondents said they found it difficult or very difficult to find support for adopted people
94% of adoptees said they experienced challenges relating to identity and sense of belonging
~80% of adoptees experienced challenges with mental health or emotional wellbeing
67% of adoptees experienced challenges with friendships, relationships and/or parenting
52% of adoptees experienced challenges with search and reunion, including navigating adoption records
After finding How To Be Adopted
83% of respondents said being part of HTBA had validated their experiences as an adopted person
68% said HTBA had been important to their wellbeing
~60% of respondents said How To Be Adopted had helped them feel less isolated
44% of adoptees had never met another adopted person prior to discovering HTBA
32% said they had appreciated meeting other adoptees and forming new friendships through HTBA
Who should pay for adoptee support?
~70% of adoptees said local/national government should pay for adoptee support
6% of people think adoptees should pay for their own support
44% said a combination of local/national government, charities and foundations and adoptees themselves should pay for support
*2026 HTBA survey of 225 adopted people, UK:
84% of respondents were domestic adoptees; 9% domestic transracial adoptees; 6% international adoptees
84% of respondents were women; 15% were men; 1% non-binary
83% of respondents were adopted under the age of 1; 12% age 1-4; 4% age 5-10; 1% over 10
Age of people who responded to the HTBA survey 2026
“How To Be Adopted is welcoming, friendly, and there’s a real warmth at the meet ups”
“HTBA offers real compassion and lived experience.”
“How To Be Adopted offers genuine lived experience and a positive outlook with a strong sense of community and a ‘you’ve got this’ attitude”
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