Could you adopt more than one child and help keep brothers and sisters together?
Nearly half of the children with a plan for adoption in Cumbria need a home with their brother or sister. What’s more is that they often wait the longest for a loving forever family.
The latest research shows that children in sibling groups wait 13 months longer than children not in a sibling group. That’s why this National Adoption Week (16 to 22 October) Cumbria Adoption is asking potential adopters to consider whether they might have time and space for two or more children in their hearts and homes.
Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cabinet member Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This National Adoption Week we’re asking those thinking about adoption to consider whether they could offer a loving home to children who usually wait longer to find a loving family, especially sibling groups of brothers and sisters. If you think you might have what it takes please contact us or attend an event to find out more.”
Cumbria Adoption service, which works on behalf of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, found adoptive families for 34 children from Cumbria last year. Around 40 per cent of the children who were waiting for homes last year were brothers and sisters staying together.
The rewards of adopting are immeasurable. Adopters give children a family, love and security and help them to overcome earlier difficulties and experiences. There can be no greater reward than transforming a child’s life forever and building a happy, fulfilled family.
The adoption service welcome adopters regardless of age, marital status, gender, sexuality, disability or employment status and in most cases the process to approval takes 6-8 months.
Cllr Emma Williamson, Executive member for Children and Family Wellbeing, at Cumberland Council, said: “In our latest campaign we are keen to remind potential adopters that you can make a huge difference to children's lives when you give them a loving home. We're particularly looking for adopters who will care for brothers and sisters together. Attending one of our information events is an ideal way to find out more and get started on your adoption journey.”
If you've been thinking about adoption but aren't sure where to start, our adoption information events are the ideal introduction. Our events are held online so you can join us from the comfort of your own home and they last around an hour.
At each information event, our adoption experts will give an overview of the adoption process, the timescales involved and answer any questions guests many have. We also welcome a guest speaker who is kind enough to share their own experiences of adoption.
Whether you're new to the idea of adoption or have been researching it for a while, our information events are a great starting point, but there's also no expectation for you to progress should you decide it's not right for you or the timing isn't right.
Our next information event takes place on Wednesday 25 October at 6pm. To book a place please email events@cumbriaadoption.org.uk and one of our team will send you the Teams link for the event.
Alternately you can speak to us today on 0303 333 1216 or can book a private one to one appointment or register your interest online at cumbriaadoption.org.uk