Four sisters must be adopted together, social workers say

COULD you be the new mum or dad for four "sweet" sisters living in foster care?

Social workers have deemed that the bond between the four girls — aged seven, six, four, and two — is so deep that they need to find someone to adopt them together.

Now they are looking for a permanent home where they can be sure the girls will "know they are loved".

The four all came into the care of Rotherham Borough Council’s social services last year when the youngest was still just a baby. 

Foster mum Anne, whose name has been changed to protect the identity of the four sisters, said: “They are very close and they do need to be together, I think it would devastate them if they were split up.

“They need to be cared for and looked after and they need that warmth. They need to know they are loved.”

Anne and her husband, who are both 66, have fostered more than 200 children and have even gone on to adopt a number of those children as well but said their age prevented them from considering adopting the four sisters.

“If we thought we could give the youngest 18 to 20 years of our lives we would say yes, but I just don't know,” she said.

“Ten to 20 years ago we would have said yes, but age is now against us. 

“We will of course keep them here as long as that is needed. 

“We just hope someone out there can come and offer the girls what we are no longer in a position to do.

“They are absolutely lovely, very sweet and very close'. 

“They would make someone a fantastic ready-made family. Their close bond would be an asset for anyone wanting to take them on.”

Anne said she firmly believed the girls would grow into happy, well-adjusted people, with the love of all their sisters guiding them on into a safe and secure adulthood.

The girls’ care plan, which has been approved in court, is that they will try aim to keep them all together.

Council deputy leader Cllr Gordon Watson, said: “Having children is a gift and something to be treasured, but sadly some children are not lucky enough to be born into families where they are put first in this way. 

“For some children keeping bonds they have already developed with their siblings can make all the difference in order for them to be able to thrive.

“This group of four young girls have a very close sibling bond and it would no doubt cause them further grief if they were to be split up in order to find them permanent homes. 

“It is unusual for a council to have such a large sibling group but these girls clearly love each other dearly and would make a perfect family for the right person who could give them the forever home they deserve.”

Eventual adoptive parents of the four girls would be entitled to a package of support from the council, including help with a bigger car and other items they may need to buy.

The council also offers therapeutic care where it is needed and an on-going training to help adopters improve their skills and understanding of children in their care.

At the moment, there are 12 groups of siblings of four or more in the country who need to be placed together, and Rotherham has two such groups who need to be found a permanent home. 

Anyone interested in adopting should contact the council’s adoption team on 01709 254005 or visit the website for more information at: http://adoptioninrotherham.org.uk/.