Potential adoptive parents are being urged to consider offering a home to older children as part of a national campaign.
The campaign, co-ordinated by First 4 Adoption, links in with National Adoption Week, (19-25 October) and its theme is ‘Too old at 4?’
‘Too old at 4?’ aims to raise awareness of children who are waiting longer to find adoptive family because of their age or because they have special educational needs.
Durham County Council currently has 29 children waiting to find an adoptive family. The children are all different ages and some need extra support with things like walking, talking or coping with their emotions.
To find these children adoptive parents, the council’s fostering and adoption service will be holding an information session on Thursday 29 October, 4.30pm to 6.30pm at County Hall.
Karen Robb, Durham County Council’s strategic manager for looked after children, said: “National Adoption Week is a great opportunity for anyone who has been thinking about adoption to find out more.
“There can be a lot of myths that surround adoption so national adoption week helps us to give potential adoptive parents honest information about adoption, what’s involved and the comprehensive levels of support new parents will receive.”
“Even though National Adoption week is only one week, we hold regular information sessions throughout the year, giving potential adoptive parents a chance to meet our team, find out how they can get started and the support we offer.”
More information on adoption is available by calling 03000 269 400 or by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/adoption