Homes Needed For Vulnerable Dorset Children

Next week is national adoption week and more children in Dorset need a permanent home than ever before, according to the county council.

The council, which places up to 20 children a year in the county, is calling for more people to come forward to permanently adopt or foster children.

Andrea Orchard, manager of the adoption and permanence team at the council, said: “We are looking for families for children with more complex needs. Right now we need long term permanent foster carers for children aged eight to 12 and adoptive families for children over three years.

“We also need homes for brothers and sisters to remain together, children from black or ethnic minorities and children whose development may be delayed or uncertain.

“Every child is special and needs to grow up in a loving, secure family. But many have had a very difficult start in life and desperately need stability. The process for becoming an adoptive parent is rigorous, as most people would expect. But there are no blanket bans, so please don’t think we’ll turn you down because you are over 40, for example, single, or don’t own your own home.

“What we really need are people who can offer a child or sibling group a loving and supportive family for life. People who can help a child recover from the pressures which brought them into care and go on to thrive.”

Toni Coombs, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Providing a stable and secure home for a vulnerable child can be incredibly rewarding. If you think it is something you would do, please get in touch with us.”

To find out more call 01305 221453, email the team at [email protected] or visit www.dorsetforyou.com/adoption.

Or there is a chance to find out more about what it means to adopt or be adopted at a Voices of Adoption event being held at the Dorset County History Centre in Dorchester on Monday from 1pm to 4.30pm, when actors will read out the thoughts of people who have been adopted and there will be a chance to talk to members of the adoption team.