Discover how adopting a child could enrich your life during a special adoption open evening at the new Emirates Stadium on Thursday, 9 November.
Held during National Adoption Week (6 - 12 November) the event offers the chance to hear first-hand about a variety of issues surrounding adoption, such as how the adoption process works, what kind of financial support is available and why children need adopting.
The event also provides the chance to dispel some of the myths surrounding adoption - especially around the type of people who can adopt, which includes childless couples and couples with children, single people with or without children, people over 40 and lesbians and gay men.
There will be presentations by childcare professionals and adoptive parents and the opportunity for prospective adoptive parents to have an informal chat to find out if adoption could be the right choice for them.
Both single people and couples are extremely welcome at this event and anyone attending will have the chance to ask questions and talk to people who have already adopted about their experiences.
Adoption is the way in which children who cannot be brought up by their own parents become a permanent member of a new family. Adoption transfers all legal rights and responsibilities for the child from the birth parents to the adoptive parents, and is a serious, lifelong commitment to provide a child with a new family and a safe, secure future.
Last year Islington successfully arranged 33 adoptions, but there are still many children in need of a loving adoptive home. These children come from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and all of them are looking for loving homes. The children range from babies to school-age, with some needing to be placed with their brothers and sisters.
Cllr Ursula Woolley, Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: "Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding things someone will ever do. It takes a combination of selflessness and dedication to adopt.
"So many people have found an immense amount of joy and satisfaction by giving a child a loving home and the best possible start in life.
"We always need more people to come forward to transform the lives of Islington children in need of a new home. Often these children have had a difficult start in life and would benefit enormously from the stability of growing up in a loving home."
The open evening is at Emirates Stadium, Ashburton Grove, London, N5 on Thursday November 9 from 5 - 8pm. Free refreshments and childcare will be available.
To find out more about adoption in Islington call 0800 073 3344, email adoption@islington.gov.uk or visit www.islington.gov.uk/adoption or www.adoptionnorthlondon.org
-ENDS-
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008