More adopters urgently needed for children across Warwickshire
Warwickshire residents are being urged to consider adoption and help provide children with safe, loving and permanent families.
Adoption Central England (ACE), the regional adoption agency for Warwickshire, is encouraging more people from all backgrounds to find out about adoption and the life-changing difference it can make.
ACE said that while the need for adopters remains high, the number of people coming forward to adopt has fallen nationally.
ACE is supporting the national You Can Adopt campaign, Every Day is Everything, which highlights the life-changing difference that everyday family moments can make to children who are waiting for adoption.
A recent report from Adoption England and Coram has warned that, if current trends continue, there may only be enough approved adoptive families to meet the needs of 13 per cent of children seeking a permanent home by 2030.
Jemma Fordham, head of service for Adoption Central England, said: “There are currently 93 children across the ACE region waiting for the permanence, love, understanding and security that an adoptive family can provide.
“These are children who, through no fault of their own, have already experienced loss, trauma and uncertainty in their young lives.
“The theme of this campaign, Every Day is Everything, reminds us that it is often the everyday moments that matter most to children. Knowing who will read them a bedtime story, comfort them when they are upset, cheer them on as they try new things and be there consistently as they grow up.
“Over the past five years, the number of people coming forward to explore adoption across our region has fallen, making it even more important that we encourage new enquiries and conversations about adoption.
“We urgently need more people to consider whether adoption could be right for them. Adoption is not about being perfect. It is about having the commitment, patience and love to help a child who has had a difficult start in life feel safe, valued and part of a family.
“We would encourage anyone who is curious about adoption to get in touch for an informal conversation. It could be the start of something life-changing and ACE will be there to provide support every step of the way."
Warwickshire County Councillor Wayne Briggs, portfolio holder for children and families, Education and SEND, added: “Adoption can transform a child's life by giving them the stability, love and sense of belonging they need to grow and thrive.
“We are encouraging anyone who has ever thought about adoption, even if they are unsure, to find out more. There is no commitment in making an initial enquiry, but that first conversation could be the start of something life-changing for everyone involved.”
For more information go to: www.aceadoption.com