There are many children who need adoptive parents, as it is not possible for their birth parents to raise them. In Cambridgeshire we have babies, toddlers and school-age children, from different backgrounds, cultures and religions and we need new families to reflect this. Sometimes there are brothers and sisters who need to live and grow up together or children with learning or physical disabilities.

Some children have had troubled pasts – they may have suffered neglect or emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Some birth parents may have mental health problems, or other illnesses or have drug/alcohol problems – the effects of these make it impossible for the parents to continue caring for the child.

The one thing all these children have in common is that their birth parents are unable to care for them and that they need a new permanent family to accept and care for them. They need to be supported and encouraged to reach their potential as they grow up.

Children will need:

• Unconditional love
• Commitment to their physical & emotional needs
• Emotional, educational, social and medical support
• Opportunities to develop a sense of identity and individuality as well as to grow
• Understanding of their past experiences, individual needs and patience
• Security which will include affection, appropriate boundaries, reassurance and safety