Bid to attract more carers for Rotherham's needy kids

New Family Social, a national support group for LGBT adopters,  wants more people from the LGBT community to come forward and help make up the national shortfall in foster or adoptive parents.

There are currently more than 400 looked-after children in Rotherham and adoptive families are needed for around 50 of them.

Nationally, it is estimated that 4,000 children need adopting every year and an extra 9,000 foster carers are needed.

Rotherham Council has organised two events as part of New Family Social’s second national LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, which starts on March 4.

They will enable potential volunteers the chance to meet carers and adoptive parents, including members of the LGBT community, as well as the Council's fostering and adoption team.

Councillor Paul Lakin, Cabinet member for Children, Families and Young People’s Services, said: "Like every other area of the country we're always on the lookout for more people to come forward and provide caring homes for young people who need that support.

"We're delighted to be able to support this national campaign and we'd encourage anyone who is interested in fostering or adoption to get along to these events and find out more."

Andy Leary-May, Director of New Family Social, added: "Some people are still put off by fears that they won’t be welcomed by agencies, but things are changing.

“In our group we have huge and diverse range of families, including plenty of parents who are single, or in their fifties. It’s clear to see how well our children are doing, and what a positive and rewarding choice fostering and adoption can be”.

The events will be held from 6pm to 8pm, at the Rotherham Holiday Inn, West Bawtry Road, on  March 5, and from 6pm to 8pm, at Maltby Leisure Centre on March 7.

For more information please visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/fostering or www.rotherham.gov.uk/adoption