Could you adopt and make a difference to a child's life?

Family Care Society, an adoption agency with offices in Londonderry and Belfast is presently trying to find permanent families for five children and is asking people to come forward now.

Anne O’Hagan, Assistant Chief Officer of Family Care Society said when people think of adoption initially they often imagine adopting a baby but this is quite unlikely today.

Most of the children requiring adoptive families are aged between 3 – 9 years; some may have health or learning problems and some are part of a family group of brothers and sisters so we are also looking for new parents for sibling groups.

Ms O’Hagan believes there are lots of people out there who would make excellent parents but may not be aware of it themselves.

She said: “We want to encourage people who are interested in adoption to just get in touch and talk it through with us before ruling themselves out. It doesn’t matter if you are single or married, working or unemployed.

“This may be your first time to parent or you may already be an experienced parent whose children are past the early years’ stage. You do not have to be in your twenties and thirties to adopt. Mature people in their forties have a lot to offer children and we would love to hear from this age group also. What is important is that you are fit and healthy and that you have the love, time, understanding and energy to commit to a child.

“If you feel that you could make a difference to a child’s life, please get in touch. Family Care Society is made up of a small team of experienced adoption social workers who are used to talking to people about adoption and helping them to think about what to do next, so please do not be afraid to ring us.”

If you would like to find out more please contact Family Care Society now at 1A Miller Street, Londonderry BT48 6SU. Telephone: 028 71 368592. (Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm).