TO REINFORCE National Adoption Week this week, anyone interested in adopting is invited to an event in Hampshire featuring national and local agencies.

An unprecedented number of local and national adoption agencies are coming together to host a joint recruitment event for prospective adopters.

On offer will be information and advice about adopting children in care of all ages, especially sibling groups, children aged two to six years old and children with complex needs.

Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Keith Mans, said: “In Hampshire we have always worked in partnership with other local authorities and voluntary adoption agencies to ensure that children who are unable to live with their birth family are placed with an adopted family for life at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Joining adoption agencies together offers the benefits of scale, and Hampshire is keen to forge partnerships in this way.

“As far as we are concerned, the children come first and we do all that we can to get the best outcome for them.

“Of course, none of this is possible without families who are willing to adopt. I would urge those families to come forward, you could make a life-changing decision for you and a child.”

Prospective adopters will also have the opportunity to chat to families who have already adopted, and hear about their experiences of the recruitment process and life as a family.

The leading agencies, which include Barnardo’s, Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, the charity Parents and Children Together (PACT), Portsmouth and Southampton city councils, will be on hand to meet the needs of prospective adopters.

There is no need to book, with attendees to the event on Saturday, November 26, 10am to 2pm, in the Aegis Bowl in Southampton, simply invited to drop in from 10am

If you would like information about adoption, or to chat to one of the team about the event call 01489 587052. You can also find out more about adoption at: www.hants.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering