The number of children awaiting adoption in the local area increased by 25% last year.

And these figures are expected to increase with many more children needing a family. Anyone interested in adoption can find out more at Falkirk Council’s annual information event at the Park Hotel on Thursday 26 February from 7pm-9pm.

Staff from Falkirk Council’s Fostering & Adoption team will be on hand to answer any questions on adoption and talk people through the process. Applications to adopt are welcome from anyone aged over 21 regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status and employment status.

Falkirk Council has also produced a new adoption booklet, A Guide for Grown Ups, with lots of information for people looking to adopt. This includes:

• The criteria for adoption
• The adoption process
• Why children may need adoption
• The support available to children and adopters post-adoption
• An enquiry form for anyone interested in adoption to complete

Councillor Linda Gow, spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: “If someone is able to provide a stable, caring home and family for a child, chances are they will be able to adopt.

“Adoptive parents are needed in particular for children aged four years and older and sibling groups. These children need to be well looked after, supported and encouraged to fulfil their potential and make up for difficult experiences in their early years.

"In recent years our Adoption Service have assessed and approved a range of local people  from a variety of backgrounds, who have gone on to successfully adopt a child. This gives us confidence that there will be many more people in our communities who could provide a loving home and family life to children who need permanent care.”

For more information or to register an interest in adoption call 01324 508656 or email fosteringandadoptionteam@falkirk.gov.uk.