Supporting adoptive families every step of the way
Adoption Week Scotland begins today (Monday) and Aberdeenshire Council is highlighting its support for families considering beginning the process.
In Aberdeenshire, each year about 10 children need adoptive families, from newborns to children up to seven years old.
The council encourages potential adopters to keep an open mind about the age or gender of the child they might adopt, as this can give more children the chance to find a home.
The council is also looking for families willing to adopt siblings, so that brothers and sisters can stay together if it’s in their best interests.
Manager of Aberdeenshire’s Adoption Service Carol Reilly said: “Every child deserves a safe, secure, and loving family.
“We welcome enquiries from people across our community, including single people, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, and people of all faiths and backgrounds. What matters most is your commitment to offering love, stability, and a place to call home.
“Our goal is to connect children who are unable to grow up in their birth families, with families who will nurture them, respect their past and build their future.
"We know that many adopted children have experienced separation, loss or uncertainty, and we place their needs at the heart of everything we do.
“From the very first enquiry, we aim to provide support to both children and adoptive families and by standing alongside them every step of the way, we help ensure that every adopted child can grow up safe and loved.”
For those thinking about adoption, Aberdeenshire Council is holding a virtual information evening on Tuesday, November 11 from 7.30pm.
Email adoption@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or call 01467 532800 for more details and the link to join.
The session gives people a chance to discover the adoption process step-by-step as well as learning about the resources and support available.
Whether people are just starting to explore adoption or ready to take the next step, this event is designed to provide guidance and answer any questions.
There will also be a drop-in sessions between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Monday, November 3 at Inverurie Family Centre; and on Friday, November 7 at Buchan House, Peterhead.
You can also phone-in during those hours on 01467 532800.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee Cllr David Keating said: “We know adopting is a huge decision for families, but we also know it is one of the most important ways for people to support vulnerable young people in our community. We hope people interested in adoption will use this week to learn more about it.
“You’ll hear how rewarding giving a child a safe, loving home to call their own can be. And how families going through an adoption journey have our dedicated team with them every step of the way, including after the adoption process itself.
“We know from these families feedback how important this support is, so if you’re considering adoption, please get in touch with us or come along to our online information evening when you can hear from these families stories yourself.”
If you are considering adopting in Aberdeenshire or for more information, visit www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/children-and-families/adoption
You can keep up to date on the latest events by visiting www.facebook.com/Adoptandfosteraberdeenshire