An appeal has been made to help some of Norfolk's most vulnerable children find loving homes - with 27 youngsters waiting to be adopted.
Next week is National Adoption Week and Norfolk County Council wants people to come forward to provide permanent homes to young people.
Among those waiting are brothers and sisters who need to kept together and youngsters with additional needs.
Penny Carpenter, chairman of the council's children's services committee, said: 'We know there are lots of people out there with the time and commitment to make a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.
'It can be so rewarding to know that your patience, love and care can give a child a better start in life.
'We currently have 27 children in Norfolk waiting to be adopted and we're particularly keen to find loving homes for children with additional needs and brothers and sisters who need to stay together.
'Without people willing to adopt, some of these children could be in care for the rest of their childhoods.
'If you have been considering adoption but haven't yet taken the first step, please do get in touch. We welcome people from all backgrounds and occupations.
'And don't let age be a barrier – we've placed children with adopters in their fifties and sixties. However, we have to be sure people are likely to remain fit enough to care for the child until it has grown up. Our adoption team is here to offer help and support throughout the adoption process and beyond.'
The council is holding two drop in information events where people can talk to staff who can answer questions about all aspects of adoption and the adoption process.
They will take place at Dereham Library from 11am until 7pm on Tuesday, October 31 and at The Forum in Norwich from 11am until 7pm on Thursday, November 2.
Norfolk County Council in currently looking to save £125m by 2022 and is looking to reduce the number of children who are in care.
Anyone interested in finding out more about adopting in Norfolk should visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/adoption, call 01603 638343 or email adoption@norfolk.gov.uk
Case Study
Sara and Jayne always knew they wanted to adopt.
They said: 'As a same sex couple we considered IVF but were aware that lots of children already out there need a loving home, so we decided adoption would be the best option for us.'
The couple joined the council's foster to adopt scheme - baby Chloe was placed with them and they were approved as temporary foster carers while decisions on the baby's future went through the courts.
They said: 'We were fortunate to be able to build a mutually respectful relationship with Chloe's birth mum and this helped us all to cope with the situation.
'We found out little things about her – like her favourite colour and music – which we can share with Chloe when she's older and starts to ask questions.'
'Foster to adopt has its risks and the process can be hard going. But it's been an amazing journey and has completely changed our lives.'
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