07/03/2013 - Permalink

New adoption website launched for Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin

Related topics: Community / Health

People interested in, or wanting to, adopt in Shropshire can now find all the relevant information they need to know in one easy to access place on a newly-launched website. 

The website at www.roominyourheartforadoption.co.uk is supported by Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council’s Joint Adoption Service, and provides details on who can adopt and information about what’s involved in the application process. 

As well as offering practical advice for new potential adopters, the website also provides useful information for someone who has been adopted previously, or is looking for an adopted relative.

The website supports Shropshire’s joint adoption campaign “Is there room in your heart for adoption”, which aims to raise awareness of adoption and encourage potential parents to come forward. 

There are an estimated 4,000 children across the UK needing adoption every year, many of whom will have suffered trauma in their lives. 

There is a real need for more people to come forward to provide ‘forever families’ in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.  Shropshire’s Joint Adoption Service want to remind people there are children and young people out there waiting to be cared for by someone who will make them part of their own family. 

Shropshire’s Joint Adoption Service is particularly keen to hear from families who are willing to adopt harder-to-place children, and want to ensure that children as well as babies are given ‘forever families’.   Many other children requiring adoption include older children, groups of brothers and sisters who need to live together, children from minority ethnic groups, and children with specific learning and health needs. 

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, is encouraging people to visit the website and said:

“Since National Adoption Week, we have had over 80 enquiries from families wishing to adopt, but we need to get more.

“I hope our new website will provide an inspiration for people to contact us and find out more about how they can really give a child a loving and supportive family for life.” 

Councillor Paul Watling, Telford and Wrekin Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for children, young people and families, said: 

“This online resource provides a one-stop shop for anyone interested in adopting a child, and I would urge people who have previously considered adopting to have a look as there is a wealth of information available to access.”

If you, or someone you know, is interested in finding out more about adoption, please visit our website at www.roominyourheartforadoption.co.uk  or call us on our Freephone number 0800 783 8798.