Press Release: Deputy Minister urges people to consider adoption

Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas is encouraging people to consider adopting or fostering children in Wales ahead of National Adoption Week, which starts on Monday, 5 November.

The week runs until Sunday, 11 November and aims to raise awareness of adoption and calls on people from all walks of life to find out about adopting a child. This week aims to build on the achievements of Fostering Fortnight in May which highlights the benefits of fostering. Latest figures show that there has been a 2.5 per cent increase in the number of children looked after by local authorities in Wales. Of those looked after, 13 per cent had three or more placements in a year.

The Deputy Minister, Gwneda Thomas said:

“We recognise and value the important role that foster carers play in caring for vulnerable children and young people. Whether people are currently foster carers or would like to find out more information about foster care or adopting a child, their local authority can give them all the necessary help, advice and support.

"Fostering and adopting can be extremely rewarding and benefit both the parent and child. Adopting a child can provide the long-term stability and love that a child needs to improve their quality of life and have the best start in life.

"While local authorities and their staff work hard to give the necessary care and support to the children in their care, they cannot give the love and attention that a foster carer or adoptive parents can. Whether you are single, married, or a couple, fostering or adoption can be for you. Your local authority can give you all the information you need to go through the application process in your effort to provide a child with a loving and caring home.”