Find out more about adopting during National Adoption Week

Next week, 10-16 Nov, is National Adoption Week and an information event is being held next Tuesday 11 November for anyone interested in finding out more about adopting a child.

The event takes place from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Friends' Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester and has been organised by Adoption 22, a consortium of 22 local authorities - of which Manchester is one - and independent adoption agencies in the North West, who have come together with the aim of finding new families for children who are no longer able to live with their birth families.

In Manchester adopters are currently needed particularly for older children and teenagers, black and ethnic minority young people, and also for sibling groups.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member for Children's Services, Manchester City Council, said: "People who adopt come from all walks of life and have very different personal circumstances. It doesn't matter if you are single or married, have your own children, rent or own your home, are straight or gay. What is important is being able to offer a stable loving home to a child or young person."

Anyone who thinks they have the time, skills and commitment to consider becoming an adopter is invited to come along to the event.

Information is also available directly from the Council's adoption and fostering information line on tel: 0800 9888 931, by emailing familyduty@manchester.gov.uk

or by visiting www.manchester.gov.uk/fosteringadoption

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Lemon, Press Office, tel: 0161 234 3179