Herefordshire needs more adopters

Herefordshire Council is looking for extraordinary people from across the county who may be interested in adopting a child and is inviting them to attend an information evening next week.

The county needs people from across the community to come forward.  In particular demand are families who would be able to welcome older children into their homes or who could consider more than one child. Adopters are also needed for children with disabilities and those affected by parental drug or alcohol use.

The council is holding an adoption information evening on Tuesday 26th June from 7-9pm at Moor House, Widemarsh Common, Hereford.   People interested in adoption can drop in, meet the adoption team, chat with adopters about their experiences and ask questions.  Refreshments and car parking are available. 

There is no bar on age, gender or marital status to be able to adopt a child, although there is a rigorous process to make sure potential adopters are suitable and psychologically equipped to deal with the emotional issues adoption can produce.

“You don’t have to be rich or famous to adopt a child, but you do need to be a special person to be able to handle the often complex emotional issues that adopted children can have,” said Hilary Hale, Adoption Team Manager

“Each child, whatever age, comes with a history and needs someone who can understand and help them come to terms with their losses and issues about their identity”

Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I would urge anyone thinking of adopting to come along to the opening evening and find out more.  The evenings are informal and fun, but  provide lots of information and help potential adopters understand the real pros and cons of what can be a very rewarding and life changing experience”.