Search on for adoption parents as list of children waiting rises

Families in Newtown, Welshpool and across north Powys are being encouraged to consider adoption as new figures reveal that 310 children across Wales are waiting for a permanent home.

The appeal comes during National Adoption Week (19 to 25 October), with the National Adoption Service for Wales highlighting the growing need for people willing to provide safe and stable homes for children in care.

Although initial enquiries about adoption have increased by 10% across Wales over the past year, the number of children waiting to be adopted has also risen by 11%.

Powys County Council is supporting the campaign and encouraging residents in Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Montgomery and surrounding communities to find out more about becoming adoptive parents.

The council works with Adoption Mid and West Wales, the regional adoption service supporting prospective parents and adoptive families across the area.

Nina Davies, Director of Social Services and Wellbeing at Powys County Council, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable and loving family. Adoption can transform a child's future while also bringing enormous joy and fulfilment to adoptive parents.

"During National Adoption Week, I would encourage anyone who has ever considered adoption to take that first step and find out more."

She added: "We know that the decision to adopt is significant, which is why comprehensive support is available throughout the process and beyond. By coming forward, you could make a life-changing difference to a child who needs a permanent place to call home."

The campaign is also sharing the experiences of people who have adopted children through the regional service.

Among them is Carys, who adopted with her husband Aled after learning shortly before their wedding that she would be unable to have children naturally without fertility treatment.

After considering their options, the couple decided to pursue adoption.

Carys said: "When that child comes home and they’re in your hands, it’s all worth it.

"There’s never the perfect time. The perfect time is when they’re home."

The National Adoption Service for Wales is marking the second year of its Now is a Good Time campaign, which encourages people who have considered adoption to take the first step.

Eifion Burke, Director of the National Adoption Service Wales, said that while adoption could bring challenges, families would not have to face them alone.

"Adoption can bring unique challenges, but it is also an incredibly rewarding journey. We want people to know that no one adopts alone," he said.

"A wide range of support is available to children and adoptive families across Wales, including therapeutic services, peer networks and community-based support, helping families to build strong, positive and lasting relationships."

The service hopes the national campaign will encourage more people to enquire about adoption at a time when the number of children needing permanent families continues to grow.

Residents in north Powys who would like to find out more about the adoption process and the support available can visit www.adoptionmidandwestwales.wales