A near-record number of children in Essex desperately need adoptive families, new figures have shown.

Research carried out by Essex County Council show there are currently 75 children, aged between four months and 13 years, who need adoptive homes in the county.

Many of the children need a home with brothers and sisters and there are almost twice as many boys who need new families than girls.

The county's social services department has announced its findings as it prepares for a major recruitment drive during National Adoption Week which starts on Monday.

Sue Cook, head of placement services, said: "While the ideal is for all children to be raised in the family into which they were born, adoption is being increasingly recognised as giving children who will never be able to return to their own families a brighter future."

A major advertising campaign has been launched stressing the need for more adopters and a display was today started at County Hall in Chelmsford.

County adoption manager Tony Sharp said: "We believe many people who would make excellent parents do not come forward to adopt because they think they would be turned down.

"In fact, adopters can be married or single, they may be childless, have a grown-up family or children of their own.

"We want to hear from men and women who have common sense, patience, humour and are optimistic enough to keep going until the child feels like 'one of the family'."

An evening entitled Adoption Unwrapped is being held for anyone interested in adoption. It will take place on October 11 from 7.30pm until 9.30pm at County Hall.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Family Finders on 01245 351567.

If you are interested in attending Adoption Unwrapped, contact 01376 516767.

By Sue Robson

Reporter's e-mail: sue_robson@thisisessex.co.uk

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