Posted on Thursday 27th October 2011
Could you be at the heart of childhood memories?
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is looking for adopters to provide permanent homes for children who cannot live with their own families.
The Council’s Adoption team has launched a widespread marketing campaign to highlight the need for adoptive parents. There are currently 561 children and young people being looked after by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council who require foster carers and adoptive parents. The ages and needs of these children vary and include brothers and sisters.
There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ adopter - just as there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ child.
“There are a lot of myths about this issue and we are keen to set those aside,” said Cllr Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services & Equalities.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are single or married or same-sex couples, what religion - if any - you practice, whether or not you have children of your own or how old you are. We will welcome interest from all sections of the community and all ethnic groups.
“I would urge anyone who is interested in adopting to contact the Council’s Adoption Team for a chat. Sometimes people assume that they would be unsuitable when, in fact, they might be very suitable indeed. Adopters come from all walks of life and from all social backgrounds.
"Sometimes, having faced problems and difficulties in your own life could actually be an advantage when it comes to understanding children who might also have difficult backgrounds.”
The process of becoming an adoptive parent involves a rigorous assessment procedure but comprehensive and confidential support is available from the Council’s experienced Adoption Team. They will assist at every stage of the process, from initial enquiry through to assessment and post-adoption.
Adoption is a way of providing a new family for a child when living within their own family is no longer possible. Adoption is also a legal process, whereby the granting of an Adoption Order by a court, ends a child's legal relationship with their birth parents and transfers parental responsibility to the Adoptive Parents. The child becomes a full member of their adoptive family, as if they were born to them. An Adoption Order can not be reversed.
In the past the majority of children being placed for adoption were very young babies, who were relinquished by their birth mothers. Sometimes adopted children were brought up to believe they were birth children, or were not told until they were deemed 'old enough'. Today adopters are encouraged to be open with children from a very early age and there are a great deal of resources and advice to help adoptive parents with this.
Children of a variety of ages and needs, who are no longer able to live with their birth families need adoption. These children may have suffered neglect, emotional or physical harm, with a small minority having suffered sexual abuse. Some children may have disabilities, special needs or developmental delay.
A significant number of the children are part of sibling groups, and the outcomes for these children are better if they are able to remain together.
The minimum age for adopting is 21 years and at least one of the applicants must be classified as 'in habitual residence' in the UK. Whilst there are no restrictions in relation to income, it is important that individuals can afford to care for a child until they reach adulthood, and your income and expenditure are explored within the assessment process.
The physical and mental health of prospective applicants is an important consideration, both in terms of life expectancy and energy that will enable them to parent an adopted child. Whilst adopting a child can be very rewarding it can also be hard work.
The Council welcomes all enquiries from persons seeking to adopt. Social Workers are available within the Adoption Team to discuss their interest and talk them through any queries they may have.
For further details contact the Adoption Team on 0800 085 2635 or visit the dedicated Adoption Pages|