North Tyneside Council’s fostering and adoption service is inviting anyone thinking about adopting to come along to a special open evening.
The service has had a successful year so far, finding forever homes for nine children, including three babies, two toddlers and four children aged between six and 11 years, since April.
And later this month, on October 21, those interested in adopting are invited to attend an open evening, taking place at Village Hotel, West Allotment.
Members of the council service will be on hand for an informal chat anytime between6pm to 8pm.
The open evening also takes place during National Adoption Week, which is focusing on older children and sibling groups, this year.
Cllr Ian Grayson, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning said: “In North Tyneside, we have children waiting today for a loving, secure, home, and we’d be delighted to hear from anyone living in the North East who is considering adopting.
“Our friendly staff will be on hand to help anyone who is keen to take the first step, by finding out more.”
Adopters have praised the friendly and dedicated support provided by the North Tyneside Council service at every stage – from initial enquiry, through to a child being placed and beyond.
One family explained what a difference adoption has made to them: “We started our adoption process after several failed IVF attempts, we had given it a lot of thought and – both coming from large families – wanted our home to be filled with the noise and laughter of children.
“We were approved and matched really quickly, it is hard to put into words how amazing that felt, and a month later met our ‘one-in-a-million’. Our little one has been with us a short while now and we still wake up every day and have to check we aren’t dreaming.
“Our lives have ultimately changed and we count our blessings every day.
“Looking back, every part of the adoption process is needed, justified and we would go through it again in a heart beat to be where we are. Thank you, North Tyneside, for giving us our family; our one-in-a-million.”
Adopters can be of any age over 21, single or in a relationship regardless of sexuality, own or rent their home, be employed or not.
Applications are welcome from people living anywhere in the North East.
For more information call (0191) 643 8196 or email fosteringandadoption@northtyneside.gov.uk