National Adoption Week takes place from 31 October to 6
November and we are hoping that it will inspire people to come
forward to provide 'forever families'.
We need families who live outside the North Somerset area to
adopt children. Kirsty Howie, from the adoption and fostering team
said the council is looking for families for all ages and ethnicity
of children, and especially for sibling groups and children with
disabilities.
She said: "We are particularly interested in hearing from people
in Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and Somerset as we’re based close
enough to provide practical and therapeutic support, while also
being a suitable distance away to protect the confidentiality of
the children we’re trying to find families for.
"There are no blanket bans in adoption, so please don’t think
we’ll turn you down because you’re over 40, single, or don’t own
your own home. What we really need are people who can offer a child
or sibling group a loving and supportive family for life. People
who can help a child recover from the reasons why they came in to
care and can help them go on to thrive in a new family.
"Initially, we are simply asking people to come forward and find
out more about adoption. If you think you might have what it takes,
please pick up the phone today."
North Somerset Council is concerned that the national decrease
in the number of prospective adopters coming forward will mean that
children will remain in foster care for longer than they need
to.
David Holmes, Chief Executive of the British Association for
Adoption and Fostering, said: "It is a sad fact that some children
are simply unable to remain with their birth family, because of
neglect, abuse or perhaps just because their parents are unable to
cope. Adoption is one of the best ways we know of giving these
children a new family for life. Children with lots of different
types of early experience may need adopting - some of them have had
traumatic experiences, others have learning difficulties or health
problems and it’s crucial that loving and permanent families are
found for them."
Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can call
01275 888 236 or visit
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/adoption. For more
general information about National Adoption Week visit
www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk
