Thinking of adopting? Call our Adoption team to find out more

More lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are being encouraged to consider adoption and fostering, as part of a campaign being supported throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf.

During LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week (March 4th-10, 2013), Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is supporting other adoption and fostering charities in their endeavours to find homes for looked-after children.

There are currently 561 children and young people being looked after by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council who require foster carers and adoptive parents. The ages and needs of these children vary and include brothers and sisters.

LGBT people could help make up the shortfall of foster carers and adoptive parents across the county borough. It is estimated that, throughout the UK, if just two per cent of LGBT people came forward to foster or adopt, they could meet the shortfall of homes needed for children currently in care.

LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week aims to educate prospective parents and carers about the processes involved and to let them hear from others in their area who have adopted or fostered children themselves.

The week is organised by New Family Social, the charity run by LGBT adopters and foster carers for families and families-to-be and supported locally by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Fostering and Adoption team.

If you are thinking of adopting, you can find out more at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s LGBT Adoption Information Evening on Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 4.30pm-6.30pm at Level 9, Ty Pennant, Catherine Street, Pontypridd, CF37 2TB.

This event will provide you with information about the adoption process, as well as the opportunity to speak directly to LGBT adopters who have recently been through the process.

Please ring 01443 490400 and ask to speak to an adoption social worker to confirm your attendance or if you have any other queries.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council welcomes enquiries throughout the year from persons seeking to adopt. You can contact the Adoption Team on 0800 085 2635

Cllr Annette Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Children’s Services & Equalities, said: "It doesn’t matter whether you are single or married or same-sex couples, what religion - if any - you practice, whether or not you have children of your own or how old you are. We welcome interest from all sections of the community and all ethnic groups.

"I would urge anyone who is interested in adopting to contact the Council’s Adoption Support Services team for a chat. Sometimes people assume that they would be unsuitable when, in fact, they might be very suitable indeed. Adopters come from all walks of life and from all social backgrounds.

"Sometimes, having faced problems and difficulties in your own life could actually be an advantage when it comes to understanding children who might also have difficult backgrounds."

Children of a variety of ages and needs, who are no longer able to live with their birth families, need adoption. These children may have suffered neglect, emotional or physical harm, with a small minority having suffered sexual abuse. Some children may have disabilities, special needs or developmental delay.

A significant number of the children are part of sibling groups, and the outcomes for these children are better if they are able to remain together.

The minimum age for adopting is 21 years and at least one of the applicants must be classified as 'in habitual residence' in the UK. Whilst there are no restrictions in relation to income, it is important that individuals can afford to care for a child until they reach adulthood, and your income and expenditure are explored within the assessment process.

The physical and mental health of prospective applicants is an important consideration, both in terms of life expectancy and energy that will enable them to parent an adopted child. Whilst adopting a child can be very rewarding, it can also be hard work.