Council aims to simplify adoption process

Hounslow invites residents to find out more during National Adoption Week

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More information is available by contacting The Adoption and Permanence Team at Hounslow Council on 020 8583 3437,

the council�s website www.hounslow.gov.uk

or by emailing adoptioninfo.sshp@hounslow.gov.uk

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Up to 5,000 children in the UK are waiting for permanent families. As part of national Adoption Week (November 7-13), Hounslow Council is looking for people who are interested in giving a child a home.

A drop in session where people can find out more about adoption takes place at Chiswick Town Hall, on Wednesday November 9 between 1pm and 3pm. Staff from Hounslow’s Adoption Service and Adopters will be on hand to answer questions and tell their personal stories.

Cllr Ruth Cadbury, executive member for children and lifelong learning, said: “We need families and individuals from all backgrounds to consider adoption. All sorts of children need all sorts of families.

“We have a specific need for black, white and dual-heritage people to adopt sibling groups and children aged between two and eight-years-old. It’s these children that have been waiting the longest for the opportunity of a fresh start with a new family."

Adoption is the legal process by which all rights and responsibilities of birth parents are permanently transferred to adoptive parents by a court order.  Children are placed for adoption when their birth families are unable to provide the care and security they need to enable them to grow into healthy and stable adults.  Some birth parents request adoption if they feel unable to meet their children's needs. They might be young babies, older children or disabled children who require special care. But some people are put off pursuing adoption because they believe the process is complicated.

Hounslow Council, strive to ensure potential adopters receive ongoing advice, guidance and support during each step along the journey. They understand their ethical, as well as legal duty, to make sure each child is placed with suitable parents, so our application and assessment process is carefully designed to confirm ability.

Making the decision to adopt is one of the biggest steps anyone can take, but also one of the most rewarding. But before people consider it, the Council urges them to find out more.

 

November 2, 2005