THE regional adoption agency for Merseyside has revealed it needs to find parents for 50 children.
The figures from AiM (Adoption in Merseyside) – which recruits for local authorities in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral – comes ahead of National Adoption Week (14-20 October) and as analysis published by the Government shows that the North West has nearly three times as many children awaiting adoptive families as there are adopters.
Jenny Ness, Head of Service for AiM, said: “The latest figures show that we urgently need loving homes for our children and if anyone has ever thought about adoption to go and find out more.
“Whether you’re married, single, gay or heterosexual, if you think you might be able to give a venerable child a loving home, please get in touch.”
Andrew Christie, Chair of the national Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board, said: “Finding families for some of the most vulnerable children in our country is at the heart of this year’s National Adoption Week campaign.
“I urge anyone who has been thinking about adoption to reach out to Adoption In Merseyside and talk about what it might mean for you.
“Please don’t rule yourself out because there is something about you or your family’s circumstances that you think would make you unsuitable – all sorts of people make great adopters.”
Adoption in Merseyside are looking for potential adopters that could take on the needs of a child until they are an adult.
A total of 59% of children needing to be adopted are in sibling groups, so AiM is searching for potential parents that would be willing to take on the challenge of two children.
Many children that come into care have experienced neglect and trauma.
AiM provides training to ensure adopters understand what to expect and that support is available after adoption as well.
People who adopt a child can be:
- Single, married or unmarried
- From any ethnic or religious background
- Heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender
- A homeowner or living in rented accommodation
- Employed or on benefits
- Those who have children or who have none
- People thinking of adopting for a second time
Want to find out more?
- Come down to Liverpool One, South John Street on Thursday 17th October between 10am-4pm and meet the team to get more information on adoption.
- For more information about adoption, visit www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk or call 0151 477 8700.
Case study 1
Andy and Craig from Wavertree recently adopted their daughter with AiM.
Andy said: “We always wanted to adopt and we had a spare room and a loving home to offer.
“The process took around 12 months from the initial enquiry to welcoming our daughter home.
“It was an intense process but it was all worth it as we feel like a proper family now.”
Case study 2
Jayne and Billy originally wanted to adopt one child, but when they saw a sibling’s profile, they knew they wanted to adopt two boys.
Jayne said: “It actually took us several years to realise we wanted to adopt and it happened at the best time for us. We went along to an information session and the process from start to finish took just over 12 months.
“The process brought us closer together as a couple and it finally feels like we have a family unit. The boys have settled in well and we are looking forward to see what the future holds for them”.
