‘Take time to adopt’, is Falkirk Council’s annual information event for those interested in finding out more about adoption . It will take place on Thursday 23rd February at Park Hotel Falkirk at 7pm.

Many more children need adoptive parents than there are people seeking to adopt – in fact there are almost three times more children waiting than there are adoptive carers. Many people are not aware that they could adopt and give a child whose early life experiences have not necessarily been positive with love and care.

The information evening is an informal opportunity to hear from staff, adoptive carers and foster carers about what adoption is, how you might be able to help a child, and how to proceed if interested.

Applications to adopt are welcome from anyone aged over 21 regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status and employment status and more information is available in the Council’s adoption booklet, A Guide for Grown Ups.

Councillor Linda Gow, spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: “Adopting a child is a lifelong commitment. Our information evening provides an invaluable starting point on the journey to becoming an adoptive parent.

“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 particularly needed for children aged four years and older, brothers and sisters to keep them together, and children with a disability. We need a diverse range of people with a variety of skills to help meet the needs of children currently in care.

“In recent years our Adoption Service has assessed and approved a range of local people  from varying backgrounds, who have gone on to successfully adopt a child.. This gives us real confidence that there are many more people in our communities who could provide a loving home and family life to children who cannot grow up in their birth families and need alternative permanent care.

“The new Scottish Adoption Register also means that there is an opportunity nationally for children and prospective adoptive carers to be successfully brought together”

For more information or to register an interest go to the adoption page on our website, call 01324 508656, email fosteringandadoption@falkirk.gov.u