Posted on Monday 15th October 2018
Cllr Mark Sutton
Bedtime stories, singing and dancing together and outdoor adventures are high on the wish list for a brother and sister duo looking for a forever family home together.
The youngsters aged two and three are part of a number of groups of siblings being highlighted by Staffordshire County Council in a bid to recruit more people willing to adopt sibling groups.
The campaign is part of National Adoption Week which launches today (15 October), and is highlighting the urgent need for more adoptive families.
Staffordshire County Council’s adoption service is particularly looking for families who might be interested in adopting sibling groups as these children can often be the hardest to find caring and loving homes for.
Staffordshire adopters Sally and Darren adopted two boys and said:
“Adopting felt like we went from a happy but quiet house to a busy joy filled super hero lair.
“We remember clearly our first meeting with our boys. We were excited but anxious and we had prepared ourselves for a quiet and reserved introduction. To our surprise when we entered the foster carer’s house our eldest ran into our arms excitedly shouting mummy and daddy. To us adoption was not children finding a new home more like us all finding each other and learning together what it means to be a family.”
Almost seven out of 10 children waiting for adoptive families in Staffordshire are brothers and sisters in groups of two or more. This means that the need to find parents for siblings is greater than ever before.
Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member responsible for Children’s Services at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We know that adoption really does transform the lives of those it touches and this National Adoption Week we’re asking anyone who has ever thought about adoption to get in touch.
“While finding families for sibling groups are the focus of our campaign, we are also looking for potential families for children of all ages, those with additional needs and children with ethnic minority backgrounds. If you’re looking to start or complete your family I would definitely encourage people to think about adoption. You’ll find all you need to do at one of our information evenings.”
Heather and husband Richard also adopted a brother and sister and said:
“After saying all along that we would only adopt one child, a few years ago my husband and I became parents to two beautiful children. Having seen their adoption profile we just knew they were for us and we could be the family they needed!
“We had no children and overnight our quiet house became full of chatter, laughter, fun and games. It took time for us all to bond and settle and for the love to grow between us but it grew quickly and continues to do so more than we ever imagined.
“The adoption process and actually becoming parents was a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us but the most rewarding thing we have ever done. I cannot imagine my life without my incredible children. We are the perfect ‘fit’ for one another.
“If you are thinking of adopting, head along to one of the information sessions and speak to the staff and adopters there. Ask all the questions you have and absorb all that you are told. It could be the start of a wonderful journey.”
New research by Adoption Match and based on data from The Adoption Register for England* also reveals that of the children awaiting adoption:
67% are aged under 5 years
57% are boys
29% are Black and Minority Ethnic children
55% are in sibling groups of two or more
Currently waiting for adoption in Staffordshire are two and three year old brother and sister. They share a special relationship together and both have the ability to light up a room with their stunning smiles. The children love to be read stories to and they will sit happily listening to the evolving adventures. The children love to sing and dance together practising their new moves in unison and they love to be outside enjoying physical activities and new found adventures.
Families interested in adopting can attend one of the campaign roadshows which will be in the following places during National Adoption Week between 10am and 2pm.
- Monday 15 October, Stafford Queens Retail Park
- Tuesday 16 October, Leek outside Co-op
- Wednesday 17 October, Lichfield Market Square
- Thursday 18 October, Cannock Asda
- Friday 19 October, Newcastle Iron Market
People can also attend an information evening and have an informal chat with adopters and a social worker taking place at the following venues:
- Thursday 18 October 2018, Staffordshire Place 1, Stafford, 7pm
- Thursday 22 November 2018, Staffordshire Place 1, Stafford, 7pm
People can also find out more about adopting in Staffordshire at Adoption in Staffordshire or by calling 0800 169 2061.