Adoptive families needed in West Sussex

The charity confirmed that there is currently an all-time national high of more than 4,000 children waiting for permanent homes, with around 30-40 of these youngsters on the adoption waiting list in West Sussex.

NCH adoption manager Carol Buckley said: "Worthing has been a particularly positive area for us in terms of recruiting adopters; we have families all along the Sussex coast from Shoreham through to Littlehampton.

"However, we still need more.

"Part of this campaign is to try to dispel some of the misconceptions people may have about their suitability to apply to be adoptive parents."

She continued: "Currently, we have successful placements with people from all walks of life, including single people, gay couples and many families on low incomes.

"We believe what matters most is that children are placed in a loving, caring, secure environment and that all potential adoptive parents are fully prepared and supported through the entire process, and this support continues as they settle into family life."

Peggy Merrett, of the NCH adoption team, said: "The children waiting for permanent homes in the West Sussex area range in age from around four to 11 years.

"Many of these children are siblings, with two, three or four children from the same family needing to stay together, or remain in close contact with one another as they grow up.

"The children are from a diverse range of ethnic, religious and linguistic backgrounds, reflecting the wider Worthing and West Sussex population."

Goring adopters Chris and Alex have backed the NCH appeal.

In a statement issued through the charity this week, they said: "When we first thought about adoption, we didn't fully appreciate the amount of support we would get from the NCH team to help us build our family.

"They were available all the way, providing practical advice, reassurance, specialist training, preparation courses, as well as introductions to local support groups.

"It made all the difference."

The Chatsworth Hotel in Worthing is supporting the campaign by donating facilities to the charity for an open evening scheduled on Thursday, May 10, between 7pm and 9pm.

For more information, call the NCH Adoption Hotline on 01403 225916.