85 families found in regional adoption agency’s first year
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AREGIONAL adoption agency has found families for 85 children since opening its doors to adopters a year ago.
Together For Adoption brings together the adoption services of five local authorities – Halton, Warrington, Cheshire West And Chester, St Helens, and Wigan.
In the last year, 85 children in care have been adopted through the agency and 46 adopters have been approved.
A celebration event was held in Warrington to mark the agency’s first anniversary and adopters spoke about their experiences.
There is still an urgent need for more adopters across the region, with 23 sibling groups and 35 individual children currently waiting to be adopted.
One couple who adopted a baby boy 10 weeks ago said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better social worker and we feel privileged to have had continuing support throughout our journey.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s been a good experience and we’ve enjoyed it.
“Has it all been worth it? Absolutely.”
Another couple, who adopted a twin boy and girl, said: “It’s not without its challenges, but I would absolutely recommend adoption.
“They have brought so much joy to our lives. We wanted a family and that’s what we’ve got.”
A scheme spokesman said: “We urgently need more adopters to come forward so our children in care can find loving, stable homes.
“If you could offer a loving family home, please get in touch and change a child’s life.
“Adoption is an important part of the council’s work and requires caring and skilled people to make it happen so that together we can help local children get the best start in life.
“Working with our partners across the region means those going through this journey get the best support available.”
Together For Adoption was developed following Government changes announced in 2015 to the way adoption services operate by directing that they be run on a regional basis by 2020. ● Anyone who has room in their home and wants to adopt, can find out more about Together For Adoption at www.togetherforadoption.co.uk or by telephoning 01942 487 272.