North Lanarkshire Council is asking people to consider becoming adoptive parents, to support some of the many local children who need a permanent, caring home.

 

The council is making the public appeal as part of national Adoption Week, which runs from 5 to 11 November 2007. Across the UK more than 4,000 children need adoption every year and the national campaign, organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering, aims to raise awareness of adoption and encourage potential parents to come forward.

 

The council is running an information campaign around Adoption Week to highlight the need for adoptive parents across North Lanarkshire.

 

A number of children each year come into the care of North Lanarkshire Council because they cannot continue to live with their own families. In some cases, this may only be for a short period and they may be cared for by a foster family or in a children’s house. However, for other children, they need a new home on a permanent basis.

 

Council Leader Councillor Jim McCabe appealed for more people to think about becoming an adoptive parent, saying:

 

“In North Lanarkshire at any one time we have up to 200 children who need a home with a caring family, for a short time or on a permanent basis. These children have faced real difficulties in their young lives and they will benefit from a stable, safe family environment. So we need more people who can offer that commitment and support to a child. As part of our Adoption Week campaign, we are particularly looking for people who can offer a child a permanent home. I would ask local people to find out more about adoption by contacting the council, and consider if they could make these children a part of their family.”

 

When asked what being adopted has meant to her, one young girl from North Lanarkshire says simply: “Being adopted has changed our lives. Me and my brothers were able to stay together and our new family is really great.” Her adopted mum echoes that, saying: “Having the children in our family has made my husband and I’s lives complete. It has been a challenge undoubtedly, but that’s the same for any family, and it has also been a wonderful experience. In fact, we’ve enjoyed being adoptive parents so much that we’d like to do it again.”

 

Councillor Barry McCulloch, Convener of the council’s Housing and Social Work Committee, explains more about adoption and the support provided to parents:

 

“Adoption is about giving a child a family for life, and adoptive parents take on all the legal rights and responsibilities for the child. It’s serious commitment but it’s a role that can be so rewarding, helping to give a child a good start in life. The council’s children’s carers team have experienced staff who offer training, support and advice to adoptive parents from the first enquiry through the process of applying to be an adoptive parent on an ongoing basis. We need adoptive parents from all walks of life so please contact us to find out more and help change a child’s life.”

 

More information about adoption is available by calling 0800 073 1566 or logging on to www.whyyou.co.uk.

 

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