Loving homes needed for children

The appeal comes during the tenth national adoption week (6-12 November) which is organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) and aims to help find families for up to 4,000 children across the UK who are waiting for loving and permanent homes.

The council is stepping up its telephone information service during the national adoption week and holding an adoption information evening on Thursday 16th November at Moor House, Widemarsh Common from 7-9pm.  Enquiries from people living outside of Herefordshire are welcome.

People who may have considered adoption or long-term fostering are being urged to phone up and find out more, or come to the information evening where they can meet other potential carers and get all their questions answered. 

“We know many people would like to offer a loving and permanent home to a child or children, but never take the next step,” said Jon Dudley, Service Manager. 

“This may be because they think the process is too gruelling or because they’re single, have children of their own or think they are too old and will be automatically turned down.

“In reality, we need people from across the community to come forward.  It is true that the process is rigorous, but we want to reassure people that we are here to help them through it.  More than nine out of ten people who go through the assessment are approved to adopt.”

David Holmes, Chief Executive of BAAF, said: “We know that over the past ten years many people have come forward and gone on to adopt as a result of national adoption week.

“But the campaign is needed now more than ever as too many children and young people wait too long for a permanent family.

“Many of these children have had a very difficult start to their lives, others have learning difficulties or health problems and it’s crucial that loving and stable families are found for them.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can call the adoption team on 01432 262830.