A DRIVE for families to adopt siblings rather than individuals is being supported by Warwickshire County Council (WCC).
The region’s adoption agency, Adoption Central England (ACE), is supporting a campaign looking for more potential adoptive families for siblings.
Approximately 44 per cent of all children waiting to be adopted in England are part of a family group. Siblings often wait longer to be placed with adoptive parents, with groups of three or more children wanting to be placed together facing the longest wait.
While the agency understands prospective adoptive parents might have reservations about taking on sibling groups, it says there are many emotional benefits to adopting siblings. Over 60 per cent of adopters acknowledge adopting siblings has been the most beneficial factor in their child’s adoption journey.
WCC Family Services spokesman John Coleman said: “Supporting our young people to give them the best start in life is a key priority for Warwickshire County Council and we are proud to support the national sibling adoption campaign and raise awareness of the importance of keeping siblings together within the adoption process.
“ACE provides ongoing support to adoptive families as they adjust their lives to offer a child or children lifelong homes and the service works tirelessly to find the right family for the right children. I’d encourage anyone thinking about adoption to get in touch.”
ACE ask all prospective adopters to consider a sibling group, and will provide them with information about the process and the support packages available. Prospective families will be able to talk to current adoptive families of siblings to find out more.
All families who adopt through ACE receive lifetime support, with access to therapeutic services, opportunities for training and to meet other adoptive families for peer-to-peer support.
Visit www.youcanadopt.co.uk to find out more.
