Enfield Council is urging families to find out more about adopting a child and help to transform young lives during National Adoption Week (17 – 23 October).
The borough needs more people to come forward as adoptive parents who can give young people a happy, stable home environment in which they can flourish and the council is using National Adoption Week to raise awareness of the benefits of adopting a child and the support that is available.
National Adoption Week 2016 aims to encompass all aspects of adoption, to demystify and clarify the adoption process, reflect the challenges of adoptive parenting, share individual stories, showcase and signpost to best practice and invite anyone whose life or heart is touched by it to #SupportAdoption.
Mum of one, Gill Spibey, from Enfield, adopted Jasmine, 12, when she was 13 months old. She said: “There’s no good reason not to adopt, it’s great to give a child a life. Jasmine is alright and that is what is so rewarding, that is what you want for your kids – to them be happy.
“I have been lucky in life, and experienced lots of things but you don’t get much more enjoyment in life than seeing a child learn and grow. It is wonderful to see their eyes open when they experience something new and it is lovely to give them opportunities in life.”
Cllr Ayfer Orhan, Enfield’s Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services, Protection & Libraries, said: “We are wholeheartedly behind National Adoption Week. Adopting a child is one of the finest things a person can do and we are keen to hear from those considering it.
“This is a life changing decision for all concerned. A stable home gives children the care, support and consistency that helps them in education and through life.
“Our adoption service offers all the support and advice needed and we hope many people will feel inspired to come forward.”
Adopters must be over 21 and fit and healthy enough to care for a child into adulthood. All that matters is being able to provide a safe and loving home. Adoption in Enfield is managed by the Adoption North London Consortium which covers Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington.
Regular information sessions are held across the Adoption North London Consortium areas for potential adopters to find out more about the process, have an informal chat with social workers, and find out what makes Adoption North London special.
Cllr Orhan, said: “By working together we can ensure prospective adopters benefit from our shared experience and we are better placed to find a loving home for the vulnerable young people in our care. In the last year 80 children across North London were successfully matched with a family.
“We know about all the children waiting for new families within our six boroughs and we want to ensure that children are linked and matched with the families who can best meet their needs.”
A comprehensive package of post adoption support is available to all adoptive families
To find out more about adopting, visit www.adoptionnorthlondon.co.uk
