Can you offer a child a forever home?

Children in Dorset need a permanent home. Take the first step towards expanding your family today.

During National Adoption Week, Aspire Adoption Services, Dorset Council’s adoption agency, would like to encourage anyone interested in becoming a potential adopter to come forward and help change the lives of children who are still waiting for their forever family.

For the first time in recent years, there are more children in need of adoption than there are people willing to adopt.

• Currently, 2,410 children are in need of foster care.
• 1,100 children waited more than 18 months to find their forever home
• Children in sibling groups (especially those with more than two siblings), aged 5+, with additional needs or from minority ethnic backgrounds wait much longer to be adopted.

If you have been considering adoption, now is the time to learn more and apply.

There are many myths surrounding adoption, but you will find that most people can adopt a child if they are at least 21 years old. Aspire Adoption Services welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply to adopt, and your relationship status, sexual orientation, gender or financial status does not prevent you from becoming an adoptive parent.

Lisa and her wife adopted a little girl with the support of Aspire Adoption Services. She said:

“From the moment we met our little girl and saw her smile at her stuffed frog, we knew she was the one for us. It took her a while to get used to us and her new home, but she is now a loving, cuddly and fun little eighteen month old girl who is completely safe in her forever home.

“Our experience of the adoption assessment was overwhelmingly positive – yes, there was a lot of paperwork and a lot of talking about yourself – but ultimately we felt that it was all done so that your social worker could understand who you really are as a person or a couple, and what problems you may encounter, which child will bring you the greatest joy in raising children. The process was well organised, communication was excellent and we felt in good hands.”

There are many reasons why you may decide to adopt, but whatever the reason, Aspire Adoption Services is here to help and support you along the way.

Venessa Collins, group selection and assessment manager at Aspire Adoption Services, said:

“I encourage anyone who has been thinking about adoption to get in touch with our friendly team. We are passionate about adoption and believe that all children should grow up in loving homes. We particularly want to hear from people who want to parent children aged five and over, and people who are considering parenting siblings.

“Children who have additional needs and black and minority ethnic children are waiting the longest to find families. We welcome inquiries from people who think we can be a force to be reckoned with.”

Aspire Adoption Service encourages anyone considering adoption to call 0300 123 9868 for an informal chat. More information about adoption can be found on the Aspire Adoption Services website. www.aspirreadoption.co.uk or email: [email protected]