Drive to find adopters for children who wait the longest for a permanent home

Adoption Lancashire & Blackpool has joined the national ‘You Can Adopt’ campaign, which aims to reach potential parents for children from groups that repeatedly wait around eight months longer for their forever loving home.

There are more than 1,980 children waiting for adoption in England, with 50% of these (990) waiting longer than 18 months since entering care.

The majority of children waiting for adoption (59%, 1,170 children) come from specific groups repeatedly facing the longest delays: sibling groups; children aged five or over; those with additional and/or complex needs; and those from a Black and mixed heritage.

In Lancashire, there are currently 21 children waiting to be matched with their forever homes and nearly all of these children (90%) are in sibling groups, including three sets (42%)  in families of three siblings.

Currently in Blackpool, there are 17 children waiting to be matched with their forever homes. Within this, 41% are sibling groups including one family (18%) of three siblings, one of which has additional needs.

To help find parents for these children, the You Can Adopt campaign aims to encourage potential adopters by acknowledging that, while these groups of children will need additional support, the power of family and a permanent home can be transformational, and a circle of support is available to help adopters on this journey.

Lancashire County Council foster carer Conrad, who has adopted a sibling group of two little girls, revealed that his new life is 'all he ever wanted.'

He said: "Adopting a sibling group of girls has been challenging yet so beautiful and rewarding at the same time.

"Having your daughter call you Daddy and hugging you is all I've ever wanted on my return from a tough day in the adult world and is truly beautiful and I feel blessed.

"The adoption has made our dreams of a forever family come to life and more importantly being able to keep a sibling group together as we grow as a family unit. For Father's Day this year, I enjoyed a meal out and quality time as a Dad with my two beautiful divas."

Victoria Gent, Chair of Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool said: "It is so important for our children to be able to remain together whenever possible and adopting a sibling group is as rewarding as it sounds by offering them loving and forever homes. We encourage anyone who feels they can open their hearts to a family of children to get in touch.

“We are seeking adopters for a number of brothers and sisters, they will each need a family who is understanding and allows time for them to adjust to a new home, new parents, and a wider family, and settle into a warm devoted family home with understanding and support. We recognise it will be an adjustment for all and support is on hand every step of the way.

“We also have children who have additional or complex needs and it can be so fulfilling to care, invest time, love and compassion to give them the best start to life. They already have a team of professionals in place around them to support you every step of the way and all they need now are caring families who can open their hearts and minds.

“Our wish is for anyone to get in touch and discuss with us how to adopt and what support and learning you feel you need from us, as all our children deserve the best we can afford them.”

Lancashire County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: "It is no surprise to find some groups of children wait longer for a forever home.  We have been working hard to dispel the myths and misconceptions people may harbour about  adopting older children and sibling groups. There are so many 'firsts' to enjoy with older children – the first visit from the tooth fairy, first day at school, first ride on a bicycle!

"The best thing about adopting sibling groups is you have a ready-made family, with siblings who already know and love each other. There will be so much to learn and enjoy; hobbies and interests the new family can explore and explain together.

"It is deeply rewarding to take on a child, or children, with additional needs and help them to flourish.

 "Giving a home to a child, or children, is, undoubtedly a wonderful thing to do, life enhancing, an act that immeasurably benefits the future chances of that child or children."

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council and Statutory Lead Member for Children’s Services, added: “We are delighted to be backing the national ‘You Can Adopt’ campaign.

“This is something that we are very keen to address and we'd like to remind potential adopters that you can make such a huge difference to children's lives when you give them a forever loving home.

"We're especially looking for adopters who will take brother and sister groups, which is a wonderful experience as they already love each other and are so rewarding to take on together.

"By taking on siblings, you will usually be taking on different ages, so the very different 'firsts' that you will enjoy with them will be amazing. From losing their first tooth, to first days at primary or secondary school or perhaps the whole family's first trip to the zoo or seaside, there is so much to look forward to."

If you have considered adoption and would like to know more, you can book onto one of the Adoption Lancashire & Blackpool information events.

There is a special event on Wednesday 5 July at 6pm at County Hall, Preston for anyone who would consider adopting a child or children aged 4 or over.  Visit the Adoption Lancashire & Blackpool website to find out more and book a place:  https://www.adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk/