Caring Leeds residents urged to opt to adopt

People who are interested in finding out about adopting a child through one of the country’s leading adoption authorities are being invited to attend an information event later this month. 

Deciding to adopt a child is a life-changing decision so Leeds City Council’s adoption service, which is rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted, offers prospective adopters the opportunity to attend regular information events to ensure they have access to all the information they need.

People interested in finding out more are being invited to attend one of the next information events which are being held on Tuesday 23 February at 6.30 p.m. at the Village Hotel, Otley Road Leeds, and at Leeds Civic Hall on Saturday 27 February at 11.00 a.m.

The council is currently looking to find permanent homes for 49 children of all ages, some being in sibling groups of two or three, including older children who are sometimes overlooked when it comes to adoption - these children often need patience and understanding from someone they can trust. There are also younger children aged between 12 months and two years who need permanent homes, some of these children have unknown development needs or delayed development due to their background prior to being taken into care.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive member responsible for children and families said:

“Considering adoption is a huge decision for anyone. At times it is challenging, as parenthood is for everyone, but adoption is an incredibly rewarding and positive experience.

“People often assume that you have to be a certain type of person to adopt, but this is not the case. We want people who are committed to having a positive impact on a child’s life, and are devoted to providing them with a secure and loving home and helping them to achieve their full potential.

“We provide a wide range of help to adoptive parents and prospective adopters, so you would always feel supported and have somewhere to turn.”

There’s no such thing as a typical adopter – married or unmarried couples can adopt as can single people or gay and lesbian couples. Some people already have children of their own, some don’t – but what is important is that they all have the desire to bring joy to the lives of children who want a permanent home.

Adoption is an exciting, challenging lifelong commitment. By adopting through Leeds City Council adoptive parents are supported throughout the whole process by a highly experienced, dedicated adoption support team. There is a comprehensive programme of pre and post adoption training and support – from stay and play sessions to more in depth workshops and help from a range of other adopters, professionals and organisations in Leeds.

Leeds is now one of just three local authorities which has been chosen by the Department for Education to support other authorities’ children’s services as part of the national ‘improvement framework’, and has begun working with other local authorities to support their own journeys to better outcomes.

People who are interested in adopting with Leeds City Council who feel they could offer a child a safe and secure home to help them overcome early experiences and fulfil their potential, can contact the adoption team on 0113 378 3535 or visit www.adopt4leeds.co.uk.