Last year over 30 children were referred to Gloucestershire County Council’s adoption team, with many left waiting for homes due to a lack of people in the County willing to adopt older children and groups of brothers and sisters. To try and minimise the instability these children have to cope with, Gloucestershire County Council is working hard to speed up the adoption process for suitable applicants and raise awareness of the number of children waiting for new homes. 
We have a real shortfall in Gloucestershire of people willing to adopt older children and sibling groups. The myth that only young married couples without children can adopt is untrue. | | Maureen Rutter |
Maureen Rutter, the council's cabinet member for children and families says: "Most of the enquiries we receive are from people who want babies or younger children - we have a real shortfall in Gloucestershire of people willing to adopt older children and sibling groups. "Many people often rule themselves out from adopting as they don’t think they fit what we are looking for but the myth that only young married couples without children can adopt is untrue”. “To meet the needs of the children currently waiting we are actively looking for adoptive parents from all backgrounds, irrespective of age, number of current children, race, sexual orientation or marital status. "The challenge of adoption is huge but the rewards for both children and adoptive parents are unlimited." »To find out more about adoption call 01242 532597 or see the county council website to find out more. 
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As the BBC's Taking Care season explores what it is like to grow up in care, Gloucestershire County Council is appealing to more families to offer a loving home to young people. 
