An adoption information evening is taking place to help Prestonians who are thinking about starting or growing their family through adoption.

The event, which is being run by Lancashire County Council’s adoption team, will take place on Tuesday 10 September from 6pm to 7.30pm at County Hall on Fishergate Hill. 

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There will be a short presentation after which team members will be available to answer questions, talk through the process, and offer confidential advice. 

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “We need people from all backgrounds to offer a permanent home and family to children who are not able to live with their birth family.

“You must be over 21, and live in Lancashire or close by, but whatever your race, gender, sexuality, living arrangements, age or employment status, we want to hear from you. 

“What matters to us are your personal qualities and that you are able to provide a loving home where you can support and look after a child throughout their childhood and beyond.” 

Adoptive parents are needed for children from young babies up to eight years of age, and particularly people willing to keep families together by adopting siblings.

Brothers and sisters are among the children who wait longest to be adopted – among the 13 Lancashire children currently ready to be adopted, there is one sibling group of three, and two sibling groups of two.

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County Councillor Williamson said: “I’m hoping that we can encourage people to at least think about adopting two or more children. 

“We keep brothers and sisters together whenever we can. For children who cannot be brought up by their own parents, those sibling relationships take on extra importance.”

“In the midst of the trauma and losses these children experience, being placed with a brother or sister can be an important source of comfort and support, and give them the opportunity to grow up together. 

“However, we know that adopting siblings might not be for everyone, and we still need adopters to come forward to look after children of all different ages and circumstances.” 

Adoptive parents are also particularly needed for the following groups: 

• Children aged over four, of either gender 
• Children with special needs, disabilities, or unpredictable medical issues 
• Boys of all ages 
• Mixed-heritage children of all ages 

There’s no need to book for the adoption information evening. Free parking is available on the Arthur Street car park next to County Hall. The Pitt Street entrance is accessible for disabled people.

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Further details about the information evening and adoption in general are available on the Lancashire County Council website or by calling the adoption team on 0300 123 6723.