Liverpool City Council is backing a regional adoption recruitment campaign involving 22 local authorities.
The core message – you can adopt – focuses on busting the myths around adoption.
A TV, radio and online advertising campaign, aims to educate people to help them overcome common misconceptions that mean they often incorrectly rule themselves out.
Most importantly, it will highlight that it’s possible to adopt regardless of whether you’re single, over 50, already have biological children, are gay, are 21 and over, are in full time employment, from any religion or are not a homeowner.
Adopt North West has been created to help find forever families for the 623 children currently awaiting adoption in the region, and hopes to get adults thinking about adopting a child or children.
The campaign has won the support of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, Edward Timpson MP who has two adopted younger brothers and whose parents have fostered nearly 90 children over the past 30 years.
Celebrities have also volunteered their time to appear in a short video that helps bust the most common adoption myths, which can be viewed online at www.adoptnorthwest.co.uk
Councillor Jane Corbett, Cabinet member for Children’s Services at Liverpool City Council, said: “Becoming an adopter is the single most important thing that will ever happen to a young person and it completely transforms their life chances. And 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. Around 19 out of 20 people who go forward to the adoption panel are approved.
“We have a fantastic track record of placing children with the family that is right for them, which is why 98 percent of our placements are a long-term success.
“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.”
To find out more or to register for more information, visit www.adoptnorthwest.co.uk, call 0333 400 1230, text Adopt to 83118 or tweet using #AdoptNW.
