FAMILIES interested in finding out more about adoption can get all the advice they need at an information event this week.

Following National Adoption Week, East Sussex County Council’s Adoption team are focussing their efforts on finding people who can offer a loving home to siblings, but want to speak to anyone who can offer a child a loving home.

Members of the team will be on hand at the event at Wellshurst Golf Club near Hailsham on Friday, November 14 between 3pm and 8pm. Those attending can also speak to East Sussex adopters about their experiences and find out more about children waiting for adoption in the county.

“Sadly sibling groups are among the children who wait the longest to be adopted,” said Cllr Sylvia Tidy, the council’s lead member for children and families. “Without enough adopters who are able to give these children a loving secure and permanent home together, brothers and sisters will wait longer for a family or may even have to be split up and adopted separately.”

The theme of National Adoption Week, which ran from November 3 to November 9 was siblings, and the county council is keen to use this to keep brothers and sisters waiting for adoption together.

Cllr Tidy added: “Being placed with their siblings may not be the best option for every child, but it is a tragedy if the shortage of adopters willing and able to adopt siblings when it is in their best interest is the only reason why brothers and sisters cannot stay together.”

The adoption team are keen to meet families who can offer one or multiple children a home and want to hear from anyone interested in attending Friday’s event.

To register an interest call 0300 330 9470 or email registertoadopt@eastsussex.gov.uk

You can also visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/adoption