Leeds council urge people to consider adopting

Council bosses are encouraging people to consider adoption this New Year.

There are more than 150 children across West Yorkshire waiting to find a permanent family, according to Leeds City Council.

And as the number of children in need of loving, nurturing homes continues to grow, the regional adoption agency for West Yorkshire, One Adoption, is urging people to consider adoption as a route to building or extending their family this New Year.

The agency said it welcomes adopters from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, sexuality or marital status – all that matters is their ability to give children who might not have had a great start in life, a stable and happy home through to adulthood.

Sarah Johal, head of One Adoption West Yorkshire, said: ‘At the start of this new decade, we are urging people across the region to think about making the ultimate New Year’s resolution to change a child’s life by giving them the loving, stable, permanent home they need.

‘Considering adoption is a huge decision for anyone. At times it is challenging, as parenthood is for everyone, but adoption is an incredibly rewarding and positive experience.

‘At the moment we are especially looking for people who would be able to provide a loving home for sibling groups and children with mixed heritage backgrounds.

‘People often assume that you have to be a certain type of person to adopt, but this isn’t the case. We want people who are committed to having a positive impact on a child’s life, and are devoted to providing them with a secure and loving home.

‘The team has lots of experience helping people create a family and are always on hand to answer your questions.’

Cllr Fiona Venner, chair of the West Yorkshire Adoption Joint Committee, said: ‘The close working relationship between One Adoption West Yorkshire and all local authorities in the region means that we have been able to streamline processes and reduce the amount of time some children wait to find a permanent home.

‘Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for all children – those in sibling groups or from minority ethnic backgrounds do tend to wait longer, so we really need more people to come forward who feel they can offer these children a stable, loving home.’

One Adoption West Yorkshire holds regular information events across the region where people can hear about the kind of children who are waiting to be adopted, learn about the process and talk to social workers and experienced adopters. For more information click here.

Photo Credit – Leeds City Council