Online events offer chance to take ‘a serious look’ at adoption

Published: 8 November 2021

Adoption East Midlands is urging people to attend a new series of online events as way of taking a serious look at adopting.   

Four information events led by Adoption East Midlands will take place over the next two months with the first on 4 November.

Adoption East Midlands was created in 2019 and provides adoption services on behalf of local authorities in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire. The organisation usually places 150 children a year into new loving homes and is currently looking for adoptive families for around 80 local children.

Shelagh Mitchell, Adoption East Midlands Group Manager, said:

I’d urge people to sign up and attend one of these four online events as a way at taking a serious look at adopting a child. You’ll learn about the application process and how we offer a full package of support and information for those in the process of adopting. We are especially after more adopters from a BME background to come forward as well as adopters who are willing to take siblings. Adoption offers children a lifelong security, enabling them to have the best chance of overcoming any early difficulties. Adoption can make a wonderful difference for children and families.”

People wanting to attend one of the four online information events (4 & 18 November and 2 & 16 December) must register with Adoption East Midlands beforehand by phoning 0115 804 4567 or emailing enquiries@adoptioneastmidlands.nottscc.gov.uk .

The events follow on from National Adoption Week which took place 18 to 22 October and was used to promote a better understanding of adoption.

Chelsey and Stuart are one couple urging people who think they could be candidates to adopt to attend one of the online events to find out more. The pair who are from South Derbyshire adopted a two-year-old girl through Adoption East Midlands last year - Chelsey says she has “completed” their family:

Stuart and I already had a son, but we wanted another child and adopting our new daughter has completed our little family. Adopting is an emotional process, but it is worth it and social workers from Adoption East Midlands are there to help you every step of the way. We’ve opened our hearts to our new daughter and if you think you could do the same for a child in need of adoption, I’d urge you to attend one of the online events to learn more.

Unfortunately, I had a difficult upbringing - my parents had substance abuse issues and I ended up being brought up by my step grandad. I was worried because of my background that I wouldn’t be suitable to adopt - but this wasn’t the case at all. I was pleasantly surprised at the positive response from Adoption East Midlands after we came forward - I think it shows there are myths to who is actually eligible to adopt. Of course, applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, but the key is offering an environment to the child which is safe, loving and stable". 

If you would like to learn more about adoption or fostering, attend one of the upcoming information events or visit our website.

Children