Council appeals for more adopters
Herefordshire is appealing for people from Herefordshire and surrounding communities who may be interested in adopting a child to attend an adoption information morning on Saturday 26th January.
The council particularly needs families from outside the county who would welcome Herefordshire children into their homes and those who could consider older children or more than one child. Adopters are also needed for children with disabilities and babies affected by parental drug or alcohol misuse.
The council welcomes enquiries from people of all backgrounds to reflect those of the children who need adoptive homes. Nationally there is a shortage of adopters for children from black and ethnic minority groups.
There is a rigorous process involved to make sure potential adopters are suitable and psychologically equipped to deal with the emotional issues adoption can produce.
The council is holding an information adoption information morning on Saturday 26th January at Moor House, Widemarsh Common from 10.30am-12.30pm. People interested in adoption can drop in, meet the adoption team, get their questions answered and meet existing adopters to share their experiences. Refreshments and car parking are available and no booking is necessary.
Alternatively the council has an adoption social worker available to talk to prospective adopters every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-1pm on 01432 262830.
"These sessions are informal and fun, providing lots of information and helping potential adopters understand the pros and cons of what can be a very rewarding and life changing experience," said Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people. "I would urge anyone thinking about adoption to attend this morning - quite often people think they are too old or their marital status will prevent them from adopting, and this is not necessarily the case," she continued.
"We need to keep recruiting adopters, particularly for some of the older children who need caring loving homes to live in."
