In the North East, almost half of the children waiting for adoptive families are brothers and sisters in groups of two or more. Figures show that sibling groups wait longer than single children to be placed with a ‘forever family’.
The majority of people adopting for the first time choose to take a single child into their family. However, it is often in the best interests of the children that a sibling group finds a family together rather than experience further trauma by being separated.
Adopt North East is asking anyone who may be considering adoption to think about whether they could parent siblings. There’s no denying that having more than one child comes with real challenges, but it also has advantages and brings great rewards.
One local couple who adopted siblings say it was the best thing they did and are urging others to do the same and open their homes too.
They said: “It is great for the children to be together, grow together and most of all they know they are wanted and that we choose them – to be our forever family.
“They can give each other support as they grow up and depending on ages they can talk to each other about their past.
“I can whole heartedly support and advise adopting a sibling group together. It changed our lives, their lives and our whole family lives for the better.”
Adopt North East is inviting anyone thinking about adopting to come along to their next information evening on Monday 9 December, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, at their offices in Longbenton.
You don’t have to come along to an information event to get in touch, the team will be happy to speak to you any time. You can contact them by telephone on (0191) 643 5000, email adoptnortheast@northtyneside.gov.uk or visit www.adoptnortheast.org.uk