A woman is campaigning for the law to be changed which would allow adults to be adopted.
The woman, aged 18, claims that she has always felt like "the odd one out in her family", which she states has led to various mental health issues.
The woman, from Hull, wants her friend to adopt her and believes that she "should have the right" to a loving and secure family home, Hull Live reports.
She claims that as a result of a rocky relationship with her family, who she no longer resides with, she faces may self-esteem issues.
While seeking help after leaving her family home, the woman met a new friend, in her 40s, who she states has become a "key" figure in her life and wants to adopt her.
Unfortunately her adoption wishes cannot be granted as adoption in the UK is only allowed for children under 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 said: "She has been looking out for me and I want her to adopt me.
"I told her 'I wish you could adopt me' and she agreed with me too. I told her about how it would be nice to have a second family who can love me better.
"‘She said 'I would look after 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 own 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. I am quite outgoing and they just don't get it.
"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.
To sign the petition to allow people over the age of 18 to be lawfully adopted click here.
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