Lancashire families urged to consider adopting a child
Families in Lancashire are being urged to consider adopting an older child or a set of siblings.
Families in Lancashire are being urged to consider adopting an older child or a set of siblings.
Lancashire County Council have launched a new campaign asking potential adopters to think about providing a loving home for a child of any age, rather than just babies.
County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "We're running a campaign in February to remind anyone wanting to start or grow their family through adoption that there are children of all ages ready for a loving home.
"When people first start to think about adoption, they usually consider a baby, or even a toddler, rather than an older child.
"The unfortunate reality is that children are considered to be older for adoption at just four years of age. It is likely that these children will have a brother or sister, and we try to keep brothers and sisters together whenever we can.
"We're trying to find homes for these children in particular.
"There is always a need for adopters to come forward to look after all types of children of different ages and backgrounds."
The county council is keen to hear from a broad range of prospective adopters, including single people and couples, same-sex and heterosexual, from all religious backgrounds or none.
Consideration is given to anyone who wishes to adopt, regardless of their age, marital status, sexuality or gender. There are no strict rules about whether people should have jobs, their own homes or have their own children.
The only legal requirement is that adopters must be over 21 and live within Lancashire or nearby.