The regional adoption agency for Merseyside is highlighting the need for more people to provide homes for children.
As National Adoption Week gets underway on Monday 15 October, Adoption in Merseyside (AiM) – which recruits for local authorities in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral – is urging people to think about providing a loving, stable home for Merseyside’s children.
Adopted children are unable to live with their birth families for many reasons and move to live permanently with a new family, taking their surname and assuming the same rights and privileges as if they had been born to them.
Children who need adoptive families often need a little extra from their new parents, and over the next year AiM is looking to recruit over 80 sets of adopters.
Jenny Ness, Head of Service for AiM, said: “Becoming an adopter is life changing, for everyone involved and is the single most important thing that will ever happen to a young person as it completely transforms their life chances.
“For the adopter, there truly is nothing more rewarding or fulfilling. Although the process of becoming an adopter has to be extremely thorough, we try and make it as pain free as possible.
“I would urge anyone who has ever thought about adoption to get in touch with us – it could be the best decision you ever make.”
You will need to have a child-friendly lifestyle, provide a stable environment and be ready for the challenge and lifelong commitment of adoption. You will also need time, patience, love and resilience to help a child reach their full potential.
Adoptive parents from a wide range of backgrounds are welcomed as it helps to be able to match them with children who have very varied needs.
Applications are open to people from all backgrounds regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexuality. Couples, single people, disabled people and people from all cultures are welcome.
AiM are particularly looking for parents who can offer a home to children of all ages who:
· Are part of a sibling group
· Are disabled or have a medical condition
· Have complex needs
· Are from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds
You must be:
- Over 21 and mature enough to meet the demands of parenthood
- Fit and well enough to care for children until they are adults
- Able to offer a secure home with a spare room for one or more children
A drop in adoption information evening is being held on Tuesday 30 October from 4-7pm in Garston. Please contact AiM directly on 0151 477 8700 for further details.
For more information about adoption, log on to www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk or call 0151 477 8700.