Torbay Council are pleased to announce that they are part of a new unique partnership of adoption agencies based in Devon called Adopt South West.

Michelin-starred, celebrity chef, Michael Caines, MBE, launched Adopt South West which includes the adoption agencies of Torbay Council, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, and charities Barnardo’s and Families for Children.

Adopt South West, who are committed to finding and supporting stable and secure placements for children, are also launching a campaign to break down the myths surrounding adoption. The campaign will also focus on encouraging people who have not considered adoption before to come forward.

Part of the campaign will be an exciting TV advertisements which will be screened throughout the day and evening on local television.

At any one time there are around 4,000 children across the UK waiting to be adopted and within the Devon region there are currently 39 children needing adoptive families. Adopt South West wants to broaden the range, and increase the number of people in the South West, who will consider adoption in a bid to reduce this number, and find these and other vulnerable children a permanent loving family.

Over the last few years, government legislation has changed, making it easier for potential parents to adopt. Although there is obviously an assessment process, it doesn’t matter if you are married or not, religious or not, living with a partner, single, divorced, gay, lesbian, a home owner or renter or if you have a disability, you will still be considered as a potential adopter.

Adopt South West aims to treat all parties with fairness and respect and to ensure that the opportunities offered, and services provided, are accessible to all potential adopters and adopted children regardless of their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, language, disability and sexuality.

Adopt South West wants potential adopters to know that:

• There are children who need a new permanent home now.
• The adoption process can prepare you for becoming an adopter within as little as six months.
• Anyone over 21 can adopt.
• There is no upper age limit.
• Same sex couples and single people can adopt.
• Adopters can be of any religion or none.
• Disabled people can adopt.
• There are children of all ages needing to be adopted. Older children, brother and sisters (sibling groups) and children with disabilities are harder to place, but still needing loving homes.
• Adopters will be fully trained before the child is placed.
• Adopters are supported throughout the process.

A recent adopter from our area of the South West said “Adoption is a lifelong rewarding commitment. It has totally changed our lives and although the process was hard work, it was nothing compared to giving birth!”

Another said “If you have room in your heart and in your home then adopt! It is a life changing experience but one that is truly rewarding.”

Michael Caines, MBE – Patron of the adoption charity – Families for Children, said “I am thrilled that these agencies across Devon are joining forces to increase the awareness of how adoption is being made more accessible. This will hopefully ensure that the gap between the vast number of children waiting for adoption and those being adopted is bridged. As an adopted child myself, I know first- hand how important it is to be part of a loving family.”

If you have ever considered adoption and want to find out more visit www.adoptsouthwest.org.uk or Freephone 0800 0832227