IT'S NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEK

Two local adoptive mumpreneurs are urging families to consider adopting or fostering older children. They are taking part in a very special run later this month – not to raise money but to find families for children, who are waiting to be fostered or adopted as part of National Adoption Week.

Helen Costa and Clare Brasier, who founded the innovative social enterprise the Cornerstone Partnership, will be competing in the Capital Runners’ 5km in Richmond Park on Sunday 25th October along with colleagues, including dedicated social workers and officials from the Department for Education. By donning their running shoes and setting themselves this challenge, they hope to raise awareness and find permanent homes for children over the age of four or with complex needs, so that they can benefit from the stability, love and consistency of a “forever family” instead of an uncertain future in care.

Helen Costa CEO said: “There are currently over 3,000 children waiting for permanent homes in the UK – either via adoption or long term foster care. The amazing outpouring from the general public in response to the refugee crisis in Syria has demonstrated the willingness and generosity of families in the UK who are ready and able to provide the love, support and stability so desperately needed by those children already in the UK care-system, but perhaps until now unnoticed. We want to raise awareness of the needs of these children, who are already here and waiting in the care system – the majority of whom have been waiting for many, many months and in some cases, years – in the hope that suitable families can be found.”

Since Cornerstone was set up in January this year, it has helped to prepare and support over 100 families across Berkshire and in West London to adopt.

Cornerstone, which is based in Maidenhead, has also now embarked on a concerted campaign to recruit a very special cohort of foster carers who can support older children (aged 5-18) and provide stable home environments for some of the most vulnerable children who enter the care system. One of the organisation’s key advocates and mentors is Sue Clifford who along with her husband Jim (OBE) has adopted nine older children over the last 25 years.

“Adoption for me is a journey we take our children on to help them reframe their view of the world from one of threat, danger and pain to one where there are endless opportunities,” says Sue. “It can be hard work, but when you have a child who used to get so angry he would hit you, who then hugs you and says ‘Mummy, you smell of love’, you know it has all been worthwhile.”

Cornerstone’s 5km run will form part of a series of event across the country for National Adoption Week, which this year has “Too Young at 4” as a strapline.

First4Adoption, the national adoption service, is also publishing a new study which examines people’s attitudes to adoption and reveals some interesting statistics, including the fact that the average age of children waiting to be placed in adoptive families is just 4 years old. To read more go to: http://www.first4adoption.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/National-Adoption-Week-2015-FF-report.pdf.

If you are interested in adopting, phone First4Adoption on: 0300 222 0022 or email: helpdesk@first4adoption.org.uk.

If you are interested in fostering, contact the Cornerstone Partnership on: Tel: 01628 636 376 or email info@thecornerstonepartnership.com