Letter: Adoption week

West Sussex County Council needs people to come forward as adoptive parents, to provide permanent homes to more children.

In an ideal world, every child would be able to grow up in a stable and loving environment with their birth family. But sadly, that isn’t always the case and that’s why we need more people to come forward.

In West Sussex, we need 50 or more adopters every year to provide permanent homes for these children. In particular, we are looking for families for older children – those aged five and over – and sibling groups.

Deciding you might be able to adopt a child is a life-changing decision. Adoptive parents take on full parental responsibility for the child, making a life-long commitment.

We know adoption can be hard work, but the rewards are endless. This is a chance to completely transform the life of a child. It is an amazing and inspiring experience.

Adoption is open to more people than you might think. We encourage prospective families from all walks of life to come forward. You can apply to adopt regardless of your marital status, sexuality, gender, cultural or ethnic background.

The County Council offers help and support at every step - before, during and after the adoption process.

We are holding an open evening about adoption at Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre on Tuesday 12 November, from 7pm to 9pm, where there will be a chance to talk to our Adoption Team.

Some of your readers may have considered adoption before but might not know how to start. Others may have concerns that might prove unfounded once they are given the information they need.

I would strongly urge any of your readers who have thought about adoption to get in touch with us by calling 01403 229553 or visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/adoption.

Cllr Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children – Start of Life