Take up the challenge of adoption

Mar 22 2013 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

Over the last few years families across North Ayrshire have provided a caring and secure home for the area’s most vulnerable young people.

While fostering in North Ayrshire has proved that the area has a caring spirit second to none, there is a real need for more permanent homes for young people.

Many children are able to return to their own family after a period of fostering but there are cases when this is not possible and a permanent arrangement must be made.

Many of the youngsters who are supported by adoptive families have a wide range of needs.

Families who do want to adopt must be aware that many children need a gentle approach. Some may have additional needs while others will have brothers and sisters who would all be adopted into the same family.

Councillor Anthea Dickson, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Adoption can be incredibly fulfilling, but it is important that prospective adoptive families know that many of the children will have had a difficult past. This can be a challenge, but is one that is more than balanced by the chance to give them a wonderful future.”

Justine Young, recruitment officer for the council’s Family Placement Team says they are constantly on the lookout for suitable people to become adoptive parents.

“We would encourage all people who have an interest in offering a permanent home to vulnerable children to get in touch. What children need more than anything else is a stable, loving family that they can call their own.”

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming an adoptive parent,contact The Family Placement Team on 01294 311505 or visit their website at adfos@north-ayrshire.gov.uk to find out what steps you can take to get involved.