Can you offer a child a 'forever family'?

With an estimated 4,000 children across the UK in need of adoptive families every year, National Adoption Week (31 October - 6 November) aims to raise awareness of adoption and encourage those considering becoming 'forever families' to seek the information they need to change a child's life for the better.

Potential parents from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to come forward, as are those who would consider adopting older children, sibling groups and those with disabilities.

Kingston Council's Adoption Team will be holding a drop-in information and support coffee morning from 10am - 12 noon on Thursday 3 November at Market House, for potential adoptive parents to talk to experts and people whose lives have been touched by adoption.

Adoption Team Leader Joy Rees said: "Some people think they may not be suitable adopters but we won't turn you down because you're over 40, single or don't own your own homes. What we really need are people who can offer a child a loving and supportive family for life. The first step is simply to come forward and find out more."