National Adoption Week kicks off in Milton Keynes

As National Adoption Week 2008 kicks off this week (10th - 16th November) St. Francis' Children's Society says the need for permanent families for children in Milton Keynes is as great as ever.

The Society is looking for families for all kinds of children, but especially children of minority ethnic heritage, and children with additional needs. They welcome applications for all sectors of the community.

Christine Smith from the Society says:

"The process for becoming an adoptive parent is rigorous, and that is as it should be. But there are very few blanket bans, so please don't think we'll turn you down because you're over 40, single, or don't own your own home. What we really need are people who can help a child recover from the experiences which caused them to come into care and can help them go on to thrive in a new family".

"Initially, we are simply asking people to come forward and find out more about adoption. If you think you might have what it takes, please pick up the phone or visit our website."

National Adoption Week is organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) and aims to raise awareness of adoption and encourage potential parents to come forward. There are an estimated 4,000 children across the UK needing adoption every year, many of whom will have suffered trauma in their short lives.

David Holmes, Chief Executive of BAAF, says:

"It is a sad fact that some children are simply unable to remain with their birth family, because of neglect, abuse or perhaps just because their parents are unable to cope. Adoption is one of the best ways we know of giving these children a new family for life. Children with lots of different types of early experience may need adopting - some of them have had traumatic experiences, others have learning difficulties or health problems and it's crucial that loving and permanent families are found for them."

Children from local schools are actively supporting the campaign by planting bulbs at the Society's offices in Woolstone and at St. Bernadette's Primary School in Monkston. It's hoped that planting the bulbs will help raise awareness of the importance of family.

The Society is holding an Open Evening at its offices in Woolstone on Wednesday 19th November between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Anyone interested in adoption is welcome to attend and staff will be on hand to answer questions and queries.

Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can call 01908 572700 or visit www.sfcs.org.uk. For more information about National Adoption Week visit www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk

St. Francis' Children Society

St. Francis' Children Society is a registered charity and a voluntary adoption agency which in the last 60 years has found families for over 2,000 children. We work with children, adults and families where adoption has or will be a significant part of their lives.

Services St. Francis' Children Society provide

• recruit
• prepare
• and support adoptive parents

Services for:

• children
• young people
• and adults who have experienced adoption

We counsel birth parents who may be considering adoption as a choice for their child; and we support and counsel birth families who have lost a child to adoption. Whilst our origins and roots are in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton we aim to have an open door policy for anyone who needs our services. We welcome equally enquiries from people of any, or with no religious affiliation. Our work is vital. At any one time in the UK there are estimated to be 4,000 children in care who need adoptive families.

Our work is entirely charitable and non-profit making.
SFCS is a well respected adoption agency with a reputation for innovative work:

• group services for young people
• Anancy Black Families Initiative
• Independent support service for birth relatives
• Life long support to adoptive families