National Adoption Week, which starts on Monday 6 November, is being marked in North Lanarkshire by an appeal for more people to consider fostering or adopting vulnerable children.

North Lanarkshire Council is looking for local people who could offer a permanent home for a number of children and young people who are unable to continue living with their own families. Because of the lack of permanent carers, some children have to live longer with temporary foster carers or in children’s houses. Moving to a stable, caring home until adulthood is the best option for these children’s needs.

For example, brothers John (6), James (7), Andrew (9) and Allan (10)* need a family to care for them until they are old enough to look after themselves. John is a happy, playful child, he thrives on set daily routines although he is keen to try out new adventures. James has an infectious laugh and loves to play outside; he can be withdrawn but responds to reassurance and a cuddle. Andrew is shy until in familiar circumstances and is happiest with his brothers, and enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities. Allan is gregarious and inquisitive and engages well with others; his favourite activities are going to Sunday school, singing and playing on his bike. The four boys have formed a close bond and need the security of a loving family

Councillor Harry McGuigan, Convener of the Social Work Committee, said:

"In North Lanarkshire, we are appealing for more people to take the first steps to becoming foster carers and adoptive parents by contacting us to find out more and how you could help a child or young person in need. Our campaign, which started earlier this year, has proved successful in raising awareness of the need for foster carers and encouraging people to contact us.

"However, we still need more people to help care for the many children and young people who, particularly, need a permanent family home with foster carers or adoptive parents. This may be because of family breakdown, bereavement or addiction problems – but whatever their circumstances, these children need the security of a knowing they will always have a loving, supportive family to live with. Most of us take that for granted, but sadly for some children, its what they wish for most.

"I would appeal to people in North Lanarkshire, to take that first step and contact us – you could be making a real difference to the lives of a child or young person."

Foster carers and adoptive parents receive ongoing training, support and advice from the social work department. Carers are paid a fee to reflect the service that they provide, on behalf of the council, to the young people in their care, as well as an allowance to cover the day-to-day living expenses of the young person. Adoption allowances can be paid in certain circumstances to adoptive parents.

For more information, call the council’s freephone number – 0800 073 1566 – or log on to www.whyyou.co.uk.

*Names have been changed.