National Adoption Week

East Sussex County Council, in conjunction with the South East Adoption Consortium, is calling for parents to come forward to consider adopting brothers and sisters as part of National Adoption Week.

Around 45 children are adopted each year in East Sussex, almost all ofthem under five. A small number are with a brother or sister and keeping the children together is really important for their well-being.

Comments from parents who have recently adopted siblings show theexperience is very rewarding: "We would like to express a huge thank you for finding us two wonderful boys and for providing excellent continuing support for our family ever since."

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Others commented on the importance of information and support: "The adoption preparation course was extremely useful. It was here that we heard about the reality and truth of adoption - we had had many misconceptions about the process and procedures. We also met up withother prospective adopters who still support us." Adoptive parents need to be able to provide a stable family for childrento grow up in. Applications are welcome from any background or incomegroup.

Parents can be married or single, in single sex relationships,any age and cultural background. Parents are also particularly welcome for children who are from Black and Minority Ethnic groups, and children with special needs. Applicants are assessed and supported throughout the process of adoptionby the County Adoption and Permanence Team. They are also given theopportunity to talk to other parents. Parents are invited to drop in for a chat to find out more duringNational Adoption Week: Wednesday 8th November - 11.00am - 2pmat Pizza Express, 14 Cornfield Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex,BN21 3UU. Saturday 11th November - 2.00pm - 4.00pm at Uckfield Civic Centre, BellFarm Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex,TN22 1AE. Or phone: 01323 747154 or visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/adoption