New homes needed for children waiting to be adopted
Thirty three children in Devon are currently waiting to be adopted, if adopters were available, says Devon County Council as it launches a campaign to encourage more prospective adopters.
Devon County Council's Devon Adoption service has children ranging in ages from six months to eight years, including sibling groups, waiting for a loving, safe, permanent home.
The service has, this year, cut the length of time it takes to approve adoption applications in a move to make the process simpler, and to encourage more adoptive parents to come forward.
There is now an increasing range of services to help adopters, along with training, educational and therapeutic support.
Councillor Will Mumford, the Council's Cabinet Member responsible for the adoption service said: “We’ve cut the length of time it takes people to become an approved adopter to six months, while maintaining the necessary checks and balances.
“While recruiting new adopters is an all year round activity, we are encouraging people to come forward to find out more now.”
Devon Adoption is keen to hear from prospective adopters who will be matched with the children waiting for permanent families.
Councillor Mumford continues: “There is no such thing as the ‘ideal’ or ‘perfect’ adoptive parent. We need people who can offer a child or sibling group a loving and supportive family for life. Devon Adoption are more interested in what prospective parents have to offer a child who needs adoption than their marital status, sexuality, income level or whether they own a house or not.
“And there is a new website and dedicated telephone line to help people who want to find out more about adopting, or about becoming an adopter.”
Michelle Eccleston-Barnes, from Cullompton, who recently adopted through Devon Adoption says: “Becoming an adopter is the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s been a life-changing experience for both of us, giving a child a loving home when otherwise they would not have had one.”
Will and Chris*, from Exeter, who also adopted through Devon Adoption explain: "Adoption means so much to us because it has given us the opportunity to complete our family and give a child a loving, caring and stable home.
"Devon Adoption were there to support us every step of the way, from our initial enquiry, to meeting our social worker and becoming adoptive parents. We have had the utmost support and encouragement. Since adopting, we continue to stay in touch with the adoption team and have met other adopters from Devon and formed some lasting friendships. This is not only is great for us, it also allows our child to meet and make friends with other children who have a similar story to them.
"We'd encourage anyone considering adoption to make that initial phone call and start the process today. We were very nervous at first but the support is second to none and now we have the completed family that we have always dreamed of.
"It's easy with the right people by your side... family, friends and Devon Adoption."
Devon Adoption hope that launching their campaign to spread the message 'welcome to the family' during this week's National Adoption Week will raise awareness and provide an inspiration for some people to come forward.
To coincide with National Adoption Week (4-10 November 2013), Devon Adoption will be tweeting during the week and have extended opening times for people to drop in and find out more about the process. Devon Adoption social workers will be on hand to assist and provide advice. The number to call for information is 0345 155 1076.
Devon Adoption offices will be open 9am-6pm Monday-Friday at Totnes and Exeter.
For more information visit www.devonadoption.org.uk or call 0345 155 1076.
