Plea for adopters in Southampton

6.33.36pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th Sep 2007

A plea for adopters in Southampton has been issued - and people can find out more at a BBC roadshow.

The Adoption Team from Richmond upon Thames Council in South West London will be appearing at the BBC Family Wanted Event at St Anne's Catholic School, Carlton Road, on Saturday, 8 September. They are looking for new homes in the Southampton area for children of all ages and will appear at the free event to offer information and support to local people interested in adoption or long-term fostering. People can chat to members of the team and hear first-hand experiences from local adopters.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education on Richmond Council, said: "Children waiting to be adopted need a fresh start - that's why we are looking for people in Southampton to offer the children in our care the security and stability of a permanent, loving family. Many children need to be adopted as siblings as they have been through a traumatic time and need to stay in the same family. Often people don't realise that you can actually contact any adoption agency and that some agencies like us actively seek adopters from beyond their local area.We offer an open and supportive service and do not have blanket rules about who can and cannot adopt - we need adopters and foster carers from all walks of life."