Appeal to find forever homes for sibling groups during National Adoption Week

Together for Adoption is highlighting the need for more adopters in the area, particularly to care for sibling groups, during this year’s National Adoption Week (12 to 18 October).

Sibling groups can often wait the longest to find a loving home, alongside children from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, older children and those with complex health needs.

Sarah and Tom* adopted two sisters through Together for Adoption two years ago. Sarah said: “Adoption is the most rewarding event you will ever experience in your life and adopting siblings gives you a complete family in one go. If your social worker believes you can cope with siblings, then give the topic serious consideration. Yes, you will have doubts, but you would have doubts about adopting one anyway!  Having these feelings is completely natural, don’t be afraid, go for it.

“The magical moments they have both given us and their grandparents will never be forgotten. In many ways we think it is easier to have siblings as the girls have definitely kept each other occupied for periods of time. At the end of the day it’s all about a routine, put a good routine in place and you will get the amazing rewards.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council, along with four other local authority areas (Halton, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan) came together to form a regional adoption agency just over three years ago. Since then, 125 new adopters have been approved but more families are still needed to provide forever homes for children and young people in the area.

Councillor Bob Cernik, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “It’s really important to us that we keep sibling groups together, if possible, when they come into our care. However, the reality is that it can take much longer to find them their forever home.

“If you have been considering adopting and feel you could provide a loving home to two or more children please get in touch with the Together for Adoption team to find out about the fantastic support on offer.”

Councillor Margaret Parker, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s representative for Together for Adoption, said: “Adopting brothers and sisters can be really rewarding for the entire family and provides so many benefits for the children as they settle into their new home. I hope stories like Sarah and Tom’s inspires more people to consider adopting siblings and make their first step on their adoption journey.”  

The Together for Adoption team are holding regular telephone information sessions for people to find out more about the adoption process and the excellent support the team provides. The next session is due to take place on the 15 October. Please visit: www.togetherforadoption.co.uk or call: 01942 487272 to book a place and to find out more about adopting with your local authority.
 

*The names of the adopters have been changed.