Call For Families To Adopt As Children Waiting Increases

/ 15 October 2019 / Comments

A national week of action is urging anyone who has ever considered adopting to step forward as the number of children needing loving, nurturing homes continues to grow.

A report published by the government shows that the North West has nearly 3 times as many children awaiting adoptive families as there are adopters. The figures, based on the latest data reveals the region currently has 630 children waiting to be adopted and 240 families approved to adopt.

Top North West based agency, Adoption Now is supporting the National Adoption Week campaign, from 14th – 20th October, in a bid to encourage peopleto step forward and find out more about adopting local children who are waiting for safe and loving homes.

Karen Barrick, Head of Service at Adoption Now, said: “This report highlights the ongoing and urgent need to find adoptive families for children who desperately need them. Adoption transforms the lives of those it touches and this National Adoption Week we’re asking anyone who has ever thought about adoption to find out more. Whether you’re married, single, gay or heterosexual, don’t rule yourself out, if you think you might be able to give a vulnerable child a loving home, please get in touch”.

Children waiting for adoption come from a variety of backgrounds, from sibling groups to children with additional emotional or health needs, those from minority ethnic backgrounds and those just that little bit older.

The latest statistics from the Adoption & Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB)** reveals that of the children waiting adoption:

●          27% are aged over 5 years

●          2% have a disability

●          15% are from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds

●          59% are in sibling groups

Adoption Now is looking for adopters for around 90 children in their care but specificallly for those children above who unfortunately, can wait longer to find their families.

During National Adoption Week the Adoption Now team will be out and about to answer any questions residents have about the adoption process and the children in local authority care:

  • Tuesday 15th October, 10am - 2pm,  Number One Riverside, Rochdale
  • Wednesday 16th October, 10am - 1pm, Bury Market, Bury
  • Thursday 17th October, 10am - 1pm, Ashton Library, Tameside
  • Thursday 17th October,2:30pm - 5pm, Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre, Oldham
  • Friday 18th October, 11am - 2pm, Bolton One Leisure Centre, Bolton
  • Friday 18th October, 11am - 2pm, Blackburn Medical Centre, Blackburn

The team will also be available to answer any questions you might have during a Live Facebook Messenger Chat on Wednesday 16th October from 6pm to 8pm.

For more information get in touch on 01204 336096