The event at Merton Civic Centre starts at 6pm tomorrow and is aimed at those looking for information on making the first steps towards adoption.
An adoption information evening will be held by Merton Council tomorrow.
The event at Merton Civic Centre starts at 6pm and is aimed at those looking for information on making the first steps towards adoption.
Adoptive parents and social workers will be on hand to answer any questions prospective adopters may have.
Merton’s cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Maxi Martin, said: “These events are great opportunities for those who may be thinking about adopting but need more information to make that big decision.”
The evening comes just a few days after the 15th annual National Adoption Week from November 5-11.
Throughout the week the British Association of Adoption and Fostering have been collecting the wishes of children waiting for new families.
Georgie, 8, said: “I wish for a caring adoptive family that will laugh at my jokes!”
Jack, 5, said: “I wish for a monkey, puppies and cats and dogs.”
Merton Council are eager to see as many people as possible get involved with the adoption process in the area.
Councillor Martin said: “Merton has excellent staff who can answer all their questions and adoptive parents who know first hand what adopting a child is really like.”
Merton will also have a stall at this year’s Winter Wonderland on November 29 at the Piazza on Wimbledon Broadway.
The theme for the event is ‘Stop the Waiting’.
Residents who wish to adopt must demonstrate that they are able to provide children with love, security and provide safe and effective care for the duration of childhood and beyond.
They must also be able to meet the child’s developmental needs.
Luisa Ryan, who attended the event last year, said: “The social workers were able to answer any questions we had and also suggest some background reading. Following the adoption evening we decided to go ahead and adopt.”
Action for Children, a charity which speaks out for the most vulnerable and neglected children in the UK have been a major part of National Adoption Week and are encouraging events in south west London.
Action for Children News and Media Relations manager, Adrian Bradley, said: “Both during and after National Adoption Week, we are saying to people: ‘don’t rule them out’ and consider adopting some of the most vulnerable children and young people in need of loving families.”
The adoption information evening on Tuesday comes after the first ever adoption scorecards for English councils were published in May.
It was revealed children in Merton, must wait an average of nearly three years to be adopted.
For more information or to confirm a place at the adoption information evening on call 02085 454688.
You can also visit the Merton Fostering and Adoption Network Facebook page.
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