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Appeal for “forever families” to adopt children

This news article was published more than a year ago. Some of the information may no longer be accurate.

Published: 04/11/2013


There is a need for more adoptive parents to provide “forever families” to children in the area. The appeal comes as National Adoption Week (4 to 10 November) is about to get underway, highlighting the plight of over 4,000 children in care nationally who need a permanent family.

Cllr Ian Blair, Chair of Children & Young People Committee, said: “Adoptive parents have so much to offer a child or siblings who need care, love and stability throughout their lives.

“We welcome enquiries from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and family circumstances who can offer children what most other children take for granted – a loving family environment.”

National Adoption Week is organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) and aims to raise awareness of adoption and encourage potential parents to come forward.

Jane and Stephen Woods from Thornbury were unable to conceive their own child and opted for adoption. “We had tried for a baby for many years. We thought about the options and felt that IVF was a difficult road to go down. But we knew we could be great parents and offer a child a good home,” said Jane.

The couple were approved for two children but initially adopted one child and then a second one four years later. They said the adoption process with South Gloucestershire Council was “fantastic.”

“I couldn’t believe the speed at which the process moved. We started in January and within seven months not only had we gone through the process and got to the adoption panel, but we’d been matched and had our daughter living with us. It was even quicker the second time,” added Jane.

Mark and Simon Williams–Clarke from Kingswood knew they wanted their own child and as a same sex couple, adoption was the route for them. They have adopted a seven-year-old boy.

“We felt the whole process was really quick from when we emailed the Council’s adoption team to being invited to an information meeting and then to having an initial visit. It all seemed to happen quite quickly,” said Mark.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming an adoptive parent you can call 0800 206 1443 or email fosterandadopt@ontracagency.com


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