Urgent call for adoptive parents in Worcestershire amid national shortage

WORCESTERSHIRE’S adoption service is calling for more families to adopt amid a national shortage of adoptive parents.

Adoption Central England (ACE) which also covers Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Solihull and Coventry is currently looking to place around 60 children with new families.

Established in 2018 ACE was one of the earliest regional services to come together to improve opportunities for children through adoption and is celebrating its seventh anniversary this month.

The service not only prepares and assesses people who are wishing to adopt, it also recognises that importance of offering longer term support to adoptive families.

ACE recognises that adopting a child who has been in the care of a local authority is not going always going to be plain sailing, which is why longer-term support is available through its experienced and therapeutically trained team.

Since 2018 more than 580 adoptive families have been approved by the ACE with more than 720 children having the benefit of a secure family life and upbringing through adoption as a result.

Brenda Vincent, Head of Adoption Central England explains that people from all sections of the community can be considered for adoption.

It does not matter what race, religion or sexuality potential adopters are, or whether they are married or single, in or out of work.

She said: “We need many more people to come forward with plenty of patience, humour and energy who can meet the different and diverse needs of those children who are desperately waiting to join their new families.

“Many adopters have commented on the thoroughness of process but recognise the necessity of this as they prepare themselves for family life through adoption.”

Currently there is a national shortage of adoptive parents, due in part to financial considerations and the uncertainty that this may involve for people.

Councillor Steve Mackay, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families said: “Over the past seven years, ACE has played a vital role in forming new families by successfully matching children with adopters who truly understand their needs and can offer the care and support they deserve.”

Adoptive parents are also encouraged to consider adopting siblings, helping brothers and sisters stay together whenever possible.

Visit www.aceadoption.com or call 0300 369 0556 for more information.