Countywide appeal for families to adopt children
Friday, 6th November 2009.
Suffolk County Council’s Adoption Agency is making an appeal to anybody who may be interested in the challenges and rewards of adopting a Suffolk child.
"Potential adopters come from all walks of life," explains Graham Newman, portfolio holder for children, schools and young people's services.
"Suffolk’s Adoption Agency is committed to finding families that meet our children’s diverse needs, and is always looking for adopters from different communities and will consider applicants from all backgrounds."
Last year 72 children in Suffolk were found a new family and legally adopted, however today in Suffolk there are still more than 15 children, including sibling groups, waiting for adoptive families of their own.
They include brothers and sisters, toddlers and children up to the age of 9. The adoption agency is seeking people who have the right qualities, the stamina and the potential to understand the needs of these children.
The agency welcome applicants from as wide a variety of backgrounds as possible, to reflect the diversity of the children in care. This includes people who are married, unmarried, same sex couples, couples living together and in civil partnerships and single people.
To apply to adopt you must be over 21. Although there is no legal upper age limit, you need to have a reasonable expectation of parenting a child into adult life. You could already be a parent or childless, and you don’t have to own your own home, as long as you have security and space to care for children as they grow.
In Suffolk adopters are p[articularly needed for children who have additional needs and uncertainties about their future health and development.
Some of these children have a background of drug or alcohol misuse, learning difficulties or mental health problems. Many children have experienced a difficult start to their lives. A number are of dual heritage and would benefit from families that can promote this.
Some particularly need placements in North and West Suffolk where currently there are fewer adoptive families. The one thing the children all share is their vulnerability and need for a loving and secure family home.
Sally Stoker Head of Adoption said: "The Suffolk Adoption Agency supports its adopters from the day it receives their initial enquiry. This support continues throughout the adoption training and in-depth assessment.
"We believe that working in this way ensures that applicants have time to reflect on their unique experiences, strengths and skills as a potential adoptive parent."
If you would like to find out more about adopting a child in Suffolk, call 0800 389 9417 or visit www.suffolkadoption.com
Or for an informal chat about adoption visit the Suffolk Adoption Agency information stand, being held at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, on Friday, November 13.
"Potential adopters come from all walks of life," explains Graham Newman, portfolio holder for children, schools and young people's services.
"Suffolk’s Adoption Agency is committed to finding families that meet our children’s diverse needs, and is always looking for adopters from different communities and will consider applicants from all backgrounds."
Last year 72 children in Suffolk were found a new family and legally adopted, however today in Suffolk there are still more than 15 children, including sibling groups, waiting for adoptive families of their own.
They include brothers and sisters, toddlers and children up to the age of 9. The adoption agency is seeking people who have the right qualities, the stamina and the potential to understand the needs of these children.
The agency welcome applicants from as wide a variety of backgrounds as possible, to reflect the diversity of the children in care. This includes people who are married, unmarried, same sex couples, couples living together and in civil partnerships and single people.
To apply to adopt you must be over 21. Although there is no legal upper age limit, you need to have a reasonable expectation of parenting a child into adult life. You could already be a parent or childless, and you don’t have to own your own home, as long as you have security and space to care for children as they grow.
In Suffolk adopters are p[articularly needed for children who have additional needs and uncertainties about their future health and development.
Some of these children have a background of drug or alcohol misuse, learning difficulties or mental health problems. Many children have experienced a difficult start to their lives. A number are of dual heritage and would benefit from families that can promote this.
Some particularly need placements in North and West Suffolk where currently there are fewer adoptive families. The one thing the children all share is their vulnerability and need for a loving and secure family home.
Sally Stoker Head of Adoption said: "The Suffolk Adoption Agency supports its adopters from the day it receives their initial enquiry. This support continues throughout the adoption training and in-depth assessment.
"We believe that working in this way ensures that applicants have time to reflect on their unique experiences, strengths and skills as a potential adoptive parent."
If you would like to find out more about adopting a child in Suffolk, call 0800 389 9417 or visit www.suffolkadoption.com
Or for an informal chat about adoption visit the Suffolk Adoption Agency information stand, being held at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, on Friday, November 13.
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