Marilyne MacLaren: Looking to adopt more carers

Many things shape the way a child develops and thrives in life but nothing is as influential as a steady home and a caring, loving family.

In many ways we owe almost everything we are to the people who brought us through those early years when we were nurtured, loved and encouraged.

Imagine who you would be without that supportive influence. For me this is a very frightening thing to contemplate.

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We think that it's best for children to stay with their own families but sometimes that's just not possible. There are currently 878 accommodated children in care in Edinburgh. Not all need to be adopted but last year 50 were and this year we passed the 50 mark in October and new cases continue to come up. Some children have complicated backgrounds and others have disabilities that need additional support.

There is concern at the council that certain myths and perceptions about adopting could be putting many people off.

Not everyone can adopt a child and, of course, not everyone wants to but it is important that we find the people who would like to, but who think they may be ineligible. Children in Edinburgh need adoptive parents from all kinds of religious and cultural backgrounds and from different walks of life.

The most important thing is that you are enthusiastic about children and young people, that you are able to understand the difficulties they may have and that you are confident that you won't be overwhelmed.

We need to find people who can make a lifelong commitment to a child with disabilities and possibly their siblings. That's why we are calling for anyone with an interest in adopting to come and find out more next Wednesday at Claremont House from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Please come along or check www.edinburgh.gov.uk/adoption to find out more.

Marilyne MacLaren is the city's children and families leader

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