Young people help shape new CSE service

National Adoption Week Supporting Adoption for Life

Latest figures show that the number of children waiting for adoption continues to rise in the UK.

Current statistics show that, in the South West, there are 3 children waiting to be adopted for every adopter.

Local, specialist adoption agency and charity, Families for Children, are reminding potential adopters that they do still have a choice as to who they adopt through and want to highlight their unique services in Somerset.

As local authorities across the UK concentrate on forming new regional adoption agencies, Families for Children remain a local, independent agency, specialising in adoption and are your other choice.

New research published this week to mark National Adoption Week (15-21 st October), says that of the 120 children waiting in the South West for adoptive families. There are currently 48% are brothers and sisters in groups of 2 or more and 93% have suffered neglect or have been subjected to alcohol or drug abuse.*

Jakki Parsons, Head of Operations at the charity says, “As a specialist adoption agency we understand the trauma and neglect that many of the children waiting to be adopted have suffered and the effects this can have on the child and whole family, some of which can be unknown for many years. We want to let potential adopters know what makes a good adopter and talk to them about the skills they will need to parent an adopted child.”

“We are also reminding potential adopters that Families for Children is completely centred on the adoptive family from the start. Whilst we offer the same assessment as Local Authority Agencies we can offer bespoke support packages for the whole family should they need it after adoption.”

“Although we are independent to the local authorities we work alongside many in the UK so understand how best to work with our Local Authority colleagues.”

Waiting for adoptive families in Somerset the highest number of the SW region. Families for Children has over 25 years’ experience in finding adoptive families for children across the South West. They also hold adoption records going back 70 years, which today helps them support those adults now looking for their birth families.

Jakki continues, “Adoption is wonderful, adoption is complex, adoption is difficult and adoption requires workers to know what they are doing! Which is just what we have here at Families for Children. Many of our friendly, highly experienced team of social workers, support workers and office staff have been with us a long time and have worked in adoption for a large part of their careers. Because we are specialists we can focus on adoption without competing agendas.”

“When you adopt through Families for Children we promise to be with you every step of the way. Our expertise helps to prepare you for becoming an adopter, the challenges you will face, but also the rewards you will receive. As Adoption Specialists – we get it!

Our record cannot be wrong – we have successfully placed over 600 children in the past 25 years. We have been awarded outstanding for our services by OFSTED for the last 3 inspections. Last year Families for Children placed 5 children with families in Somerset.

During National Adoption Week the charity is urging potential adopters to talk to them about what makes a great adopter, the support services offered and how they can start the process.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please contact Families for Children today on 01278 227027

Loading Please Wait...