Prospective adopters are being urged to come forward during National Adoption Week.

According to Dorset Council, there are 2,410 children in need of an adoptive family and there are now more children in need of adoption than those coming forward to adopt.

The council also says that children in a sibling group, aged five and older, with additional needs, or from an minority ethnic background wait longer to be adopted.

Aspire Adoption Services, the adoption agency for Dorset Council, would like to encourage anybody interested in becoming a prospective adopter to come forward.  

The adoption service says it welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply to adopt, saying that prospective adopters’ relationship status, sexuality, gender or financial situation does not stop someone from becoming an adoptive parent.

Lisa adopted a little girl with her wife, with the support of Aspire Adoption Services.

She said: “From the first moment we met our little girl and saw her smiling at her toy frog, we knew she was the one for us. It took her a little while to get used to us and her new home, but she is now a loving, cuddly, fun little 18-month-old who is totally secure in her forever home.

“Our experience of being assessed for adoption was overwhelmingly positive – yes, there was a lot of paperwork, and there was a lot of talking about ourselves – but ultimately we felt it was all done so that your social worker can get a handle on who you really are as a person or a couple, and the kinds of challenges you would be able to face, the kind of child you would find the most joy in parenting. The process was well managed, communication was excellent, and we felt in safe hands throughout.”

Venessa Collins, Recruitment and Assessment team manager for Aspire Adoption Services, said: “I encourage anyone who has been thinking about adoption to contact our friendly team. We are passionate about adoption and believe all children should grow up in loving homes.

“We particularly want to hear from people who are wanting to parent children who are five or older and people who are considering parenting brothers and sisters.

“Children who have additional needs and Black and ethnic minority children wait the longest for their families. We would really welcome enquires from people who feel able to be considered.”

Aspire Adoption Services is asking anyone who is considering adoption to give them a call on 0300 123 9868 for an informal chat.

More information about adoption can be found on the Aspire Adoption Services website  www.aspireadoption.co.uk  or email: enquiries@aspireadoption.co.uk