Anyone who is considering becoming an adoptive parent is being encouraged to make that first step as part of Lancashire County Council’s ‘New Year, New You’ campaign.

The council is always looking for people to come forward who can offer children a loving home and a forever family.

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This month there is an added focus on people coming forward who were reflecting on taking this step over the Christmas and New Year period.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “New Year is traditionally a time when people decide to make a change in their lives – give something up, or start something new, and is generally a period of reflection.

“I’d like to take advantage of that new-year, determined frame of mind to especially encourage people to think about a change they could make not just to their own life, but to that of a Lancashire child.

“Our adoption team has a lot of experience in helping find parents for children who need a loving, stable and permanent home.

“We have children of all ages who need adopting. Some are looking for homes they can share with brothers or sisters, and we keep siblings together whenever we can.

“We’ve also streamlined the process as much as we can by making changes to the adoption process, which should help speed things up both for children and adoptive parents. Potential adopters can now expect to be approved within six months of applying, if they meet the criteria.

“We want to hear from people irrespective of their race, gender, sexuality, living arrangements, age or employment status. You can adopt as long as you are over 21, and live in Lancashire or close by.”

A special event for people considering adoption will also be held at County Hall, on Fishergate in Preston, to help people find out about the process involved.

The information evening will take place on Thursday 9 January, between 6pm and 7.30pm.

There’s no need to book – you can just turn up, but early arrival is recommended so that the presentation can start promptly at 6pm. People attending the information evening are also asked to stay for the whole session.

Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can find out more by calling the friendly team on 0300 123 6723 or visiting www.lancashire.gov.uk/adoption