To mark National Adoption Week (14 – 20 October), Wokingham Borough Council is urging local residents to consider providing children in care with a permanent loving home. Working in partnership with Adopt Thames Valley, the Council hopes the renewed appeal will help identify adoptive families for about 100 children across the region.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to consider adoption as an option for them. Potential adoptive parents are considered from across the community, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, disability, race or faith.
“We know from our research that many people self-discriminate and exclude themselves as a potential adoptive parent or family before they’ve even applied,” said Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services.
“There are many myths around adoption, such as the requirement to be married, or needing to own your property. We want to use this campaign to dispel as many myths a possible and to encourage people to sign-up.”
Teresa Rogers, service manager for Adopt Thames Valley, said: “We encourage people from all walks of life to consider adoption. If you think you can provide a stable and loving home for a child, or children, currently in care please get in touch.”
To adopt, you must be resident in the UK, you shouldn’t have committed a serious criminal offence and you must be over 21.
There is no upper age limit. People considering adoption can be:
- Single, married, in a civil partnership or unmarried
- From any ethnic, cultural or religious background
- Heterosexual or LGBTQ+
- A homeowner or living in rented accommodation
- Employed or on benefits
- Those who have children or who have none
- People thinking of adopting for a second time
If you are interested in adoption, Adopt Thames Valley is hosting an open event on Saturday 9 November. The event will take place at The Oakwood Centre in Woodley, Reading, between 9.30 – 11.30am.
Guests will hear from adoptive parents and meet adoption workers. You’ll also be able to talk a member of staff in confidence and ask questions about your particular circumstances. There’s even tea and biscuits! Took book your place, please call 0800 731 0171.
You can find out more about the adoption process here or by calling 0800 731 0171, or emailing: adoptthamesvalley@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
