Western Trust looking for adoptive parents in Derry

The Northern area adoption team who are asking people to think about the possibility of adopting.

It’s been revealed that The Western Trust is currently planning for a “significantly high” number of children seeking adoptive families and there is a need to find people who can provide these vulnerable children with a family for life. There are also high numbers of sibling groups who need adoptive homes where they can grow up together and are not separated.

A spokesperson said: “Adoption has encountered many changes over the years and one such change has been the emergence of the pilot project entitled ‘Home on Time (HOT) which is an innovative, concurrent care scheme. ‘Home on Time’ is a scheme which aims to reduce the length of time young children spend in foster care and the number of moves they have to make before a final decision is made about where they will live until they are adults. This process tends to involve the placement of very young children. Information sessions specific to this project will.

Catherine McKevitt, Western Trust Service Manager for Adoption said: “Adoption is a lifelong commitment, which requires very serious thought and preparation. We welcome and encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Many adoptive parents have found taking this first step the hardest and our events will provide people with information about the process. Adoption and Permanency Social workers will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about adoption.”

Catherine added: “Adopting a child can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience, there is no doubt that it can be challenging but the majority of our parents say the rewards far outweigh the challenges.”

An adoptive parent of two young boys added: “The day we got our boys was the best day of my life. I would strongly recommend adoption.”