Cumbria County Council launches a new campaign today to provide a unique insight into the people who support adopters from the moment they make an enquiry to adopt, through training, the adoption panel, matching, moving in and beyond.
The adoption process is surrounded by myths and misconceptions but the county council is encouraging people to find out the realities for themselves; and who knows, 2019 could be their year to provide a permanent and loving home for a child.
Juan, from the county council’s adoption support team, said: “We have a great support offer in place, we provide support early on in the process to help with new parenting skills and help adopers to understand and meet different children’s needs now, and in the future.
“We have a very dedicated team who are here to help.”
The county council understands taking that first step and making an enquiry can sometimes be the hardest part, but it’s hoped that the campaign will instil confidence in people to make that step. The campaign will shine a spotlight on the people whose job it is to create ‘forever families’ and who support prospective adopters through the process. Laura, Beth, Rachael, Juan, and others, feature in a series of short videos which will be shared on the @cumbriafosteringandadoption Facebook page from today.
Cllr Anne Burns, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, said: “We know the adoption process can seem scary and intrusive but adopters who’ve been through it tell us that it can be a really positive experience and well worth it.
“Our teams want the best for the children and adopters, and work tirelessly to match children with the right forever families.
“Our team is always ready to talk to people who are considering adopting, so if that’s you, please take that first step and contact us.”
People thinking about adopting can contact the county council in a variety of ways, including:
Attending a drop-in event:
- Carlisle drop-in at Carlisle Library between 10am – 1pm on Wednesday 9 January 2019.
- Kendal drop-in at Kendal Library between 2pm – 4pm on Tuesday 15 January 2019.
- Barrow drop-in at Barrow Library between 10am – 1pm on Thursday 17 January 2019.
- Whitehaven drop-in at Whitehaven Library between 10am – 1pm on Friday January 18 January 2019.
- Penrith drop-in at Penrith Library between 10am – 1pm on Wednesday January 23 January 2019.
- Workington drop-in at Workington Library between 10am – 2pm on Friday 25 January 2019.
Online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/adoption.
Call 0303 333 1216 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or leave a voicemail outside of these times.