Ever considered adoption?

Anyone wanting to find out more about adoption should visit the adoption information evening at Manchester Town Hall on Tuesday 10 November, 6.30pm - 9pm.

Potential adopters can be single or married, straight or gay, homeowners or renters, and may even already have their own children.

During the evening adopters, social workers and members of support services will be available to talk one-to-one about the adoption process and about their experiences of adoption in Manchester.

Manchester currently has just over 50 children waiting for adoptive parents. Many of these children are in sibling groups of two or three, with ages ranging from two years to 9 years-old.

The council's priority is to find adoptive parents for those children who have been waiting longest and to raise awareness of the 'adoption gap' - the gap between the types of children people want to adopt and the types of children waiting to be adopted.

People who adopt come from all walks of life and have very different personal circumstances. Potential adopters can be single or married, straight or gay, homeowners or renters, and may even already have their own children.

The information evening takes place during National Adoption Week, the theme for which this year is the 'adoption gap'.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member Children's Services, Manchester City Council, said: "People who adopt come from all walks of life and have very different personal circumstances. What is important is being able to offer a stable, permanent, 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 attend the information evening.

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