Let’s Adopt campaign success one year on

One year on from  the launch of Let’s Adopt in Blackburn with Darwen, 85 people have made serious enquiries about adopting a child in the area.

Now the Council’s adoption team are hoping to keep the momentum going as they enter the second year of the recruitment campaign.

Karen Barrick, head of permanence children’s services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

“The Let’s Adopt campaign has been instrumental to our service, as it works to help find forever families for children currently in our care.

“The response and support we have received to date has been astonishing and we are very grateful to all those who have come forward and enquired about becoming an adoptive parent.

“We’re still appealing to would-be adopters, including second time parents, from around the region to consider adoption. Many people think they may not be able to adopt, or that it’s an overly long process, but actually single people, non-homeowners, those who are not in full-time employment, same-sex couples and over 21-year-olds are among those who can apply. The guidelines have also been updated to allow more children to be matched with parents irrespective of race or religion, and find their forever home as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Frank Connor, the Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

“The Let’s Adopt campaign has had a great impact within the community and we’re thrilled with its achievements so far.  However, we are still looking for families for a number of children. Blackburn with Darwen Council currently has 23 children aged under eight who are waiting for adoption, so the campaign is far from over.”

An adoption information evening will bake place on Wednesday, March 25 at EuroGarages, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB1 2EE. This event will give people the chance to find out more about the process and talk directly with members of the adoption service team. Tobook a place, call (01254) 666806. For more information, please visit www.letsadopt.co.uk