This week marks National Adoption Week and Bournemouth Council’s award winning adoption team are appealing for people to consider giving a home to siblings, most of whom have had a hard start to life. The team, who approved a record number of adopters last year to deal with the increased demand for adoptive homes, are asking for more people to come forward to give children a safe and loving home.
The campaign, organised by the British Association of Adoption & Fostering (BAAF), is focussing on brother and sisters who make up nearly half the number of children who need adoptive homes. Unfortunately, there are not enough potential adopters currently coming forward who can offer a home to siblings and consequently these children can often wait much longer for a family or may have to be separated so they can be placed in a secure and permanent home.
Heather Freeman, adoption team manager, said:
“We need more people to come forward and provide looked after children with the chance to grow up in stable, loving adoptive homes. They can be from a variety of backgrounds and don’t have to adopt babies or young children, we need people to adopt children of all ages.
“I would encourage anyone who believes they can help to get in contact with our Adoption Team.”
Earlier this year the Council’s adoption team featured extensively in the primetime ITV documentary series ‘Wanted: A Family Of My Own’ presented by Nicky Campbell which was watched by 2.5 million people per episode. The series followed the journey of those wanting to become adopters and the children needing adoptive homes.
If you would like advice about adoption the Bournemouth Adoption team will be hosting their next information evening on Tuesday 25th November, for further details phone 01202 456743 or visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/adoption
