Wanted!- twenty families for children waiting for adoption

Date published: 08/11/2005

Are you ready to take the first step towards adopting a child? Rochdale Council has more than 20 children waiting for an adoptive family right now. It's not only babies who need adopting. In fact, the Council needs more adopters for children up to 8 years of age and in particular for brothers and sisters.

Steve Titcombe, Head of Child Care Service said, "Some people think about adoption but never look into it further - possibly because they're single, over 40 or do not own their own home and are convinced they will not be seriously considered.

"This isn't true. Rochdale needs people from all sections of the community. You can be married, single or living with a partner. You can be working or unemployed and so long as you're over 21 and in reasonable health, we will help you through the assessment process. What is important is that you have the patience and commitment to providing a permanent family for a child."

The appeal comes during National Adoption Week, 7-13 November, a nationwide campaign organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF). The campaign aims to find families for up to 4000 children in the UK who are waiting to be adopted.

People who have adopted talk about the challenges they face and how tough adoption can sometimes be, but they go on to say how rewarding it is, knowing they've 'made a real difference to a child'. Many say it's the best thing they've ever done. Rochdale Council urges people thinking about adoption to come forward and contact them. For further information contact the Adoption Team on 01706 710750 or visit the council's website
www.rochdale.gov.uk

For more information about adoption please call Nick Clegg, Recruitment & Marketing Officer, Rochdale Council Fostering & Adoption Team (01706) 710750.

For more information about Adoption week visit www.nationaladoptionweek.org