To find out how you can make a difference to a child's life through adoption or fostering, call the Halton Adoption and Fostering Service on 01928 704 360, email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk or visit the website at www.halton.gov.uk

Christmas card competition!

Halton Borough Council's looked after children have been impressing staff from the Adoption and Fostering team with their fantastic artistic talents!

The service are running a 'Design a Christmas Card' competition. Entry forms have been sent out asking foster carers' own children and children placed with carers to design a Christmas Card. The team has already received a great response from children of all ages.

The winning design will be chosen by a panel of judges, including local artist Mark Gannon, Halton's executive board member for health and social care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell and Councillor Liam Temple. The first prize will see the card being turned into Halton's very own professional Christmas card and a cash gift of £100.

The winner will be announced at a social evening being held for all Halton's carers and adopters in November.

Executive board member for Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "We had a great response to the competition with some impressive entries. The real aim of the competition was to involve carers' own children and looked after children in an activity that provided them, as a whole, with some fun and entertainment."

To find out how you can make a difference to a child's life through adoption or fostering, call the Halton Adoption and Fostering Service on 01928 704 360, email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk or visit the website at www.halton.gov.uk

Make a wish come true with national adoption week

Halton Adoption & Fostering Service is this week appealing to the people of Halton to consider Adoption. The call coincides with the launch of National Adoption Week - a nationwide campaign organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF). This year's theme for the week is "Wishing for a Family".

Over 3,000 children in the UK are currently waiting to be adopted and many children in Halton wait too long to find permanent and loving homes due to a shortage of people coming forward to become adoptive parents.

It's not just babies that require adoption, as many people often assume, there are many young children and siblings who desperately need the security of a loving home. There is also a great need for adopters of older children aged five and above.

Halton Borough Council's executive board member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell said: "For a waiting child, adoption can be a dream come true and many children are hoping that this week will bring them the family they are wishing for.

"Many people rule themselves out from adopting as they don't think they fit the criteria of what an 'adopter' should be. In fact, all kinds of people make good adoptive parents and it doesn't matter if you are married or single, are over 40 or are in or out of work. We are urging anyone interested in adoption to contact us to find our more information.

"The most important people in the adoption process are the children - and we have to ensure that their needs come first. The longer these children remain in care waiting for an adoptive family, the harder it is for them to adjust to a new home and life."

The Halton Adoption & Fostering Team will be holding an information stand at ASDA in Runcorn from Thursday 6 November to Saturday 8th. The stand will include a display of children's wishes for a family to highlight the week's theme of 'Wishing for a Family'.

To find out how you can make a difference to a child's life through adoption, call the Halton Adoption and Fostering Service on 01928 704 360, email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk or visit the website at www.halton.gov.uk

Government proposals impact adoption & fostering

Halton Borough Council's Adoption and Fostering Team has welcomed a new Government Green Paper that outlines suggestions for a vast improvement in the number of foster carers in the country.

The Government is seeking views on radical and imaginative ways of encouraging people to become foster carers and ensure they are valued and recognised.

The Green Paper, which was compiled following the Victoria Climbie enquiry earlier this year, suggests a national recruitment campaign, paid leave for foster carers, an award scheme that acknowledges outstanding foster carers and a 24 hour helpline devoted to foster carers amongst other proposals.

Halton Borough Council agrees that the proposals outlined in the report would have a positive impact on the numbers of foster carers in Halton.

Halton Borough Council's executive board member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "While we welcome the publication of the Green Paper, it is particularly disappointing that carers continue to be viewed as volunteers rather than professionals - the Green Paper includes carers with parents rather than within the social care workforce."

"The Government has made it clear that it wants to recruit and retain more carers, yet the most obvious way - ensuring foster carers are properly supported, both financially and practically - has not been considered. There will be no long-term improvements in the care system without extra investment and a commitment to supporting carers.

"In Halton we are continually working towards improving the support, training and overall "package" offered to our foster carers and some of the additional benefits outlined in the Governments green paper will definitely benefit our carers in some ways. We look forward to the implementation of the campaigns and hope that it is in the near and not distant future".

Halton foster carers receive a weekly allowance of £105-£480 per week, full training and a dedicated support package. Call 01928 704 360 or email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for a free information pack.

Halton pays its foster carers above the minimum allowance

Halton Borough Council is one of the few local authorities in the country that is paying its foster carers above the minimum allowance, according to a new survey.

Fostered children in more than half of the local authorities in England are expected to live on less than the recommended minimum allowances, according to the survey conducted by The Fostering Network.

Allowances provided by more than half of the surveyed Authorities start at around £50 per week for babies, well below the minimum rate of £105.74 recommended by the Fostering Network.

However, foster carers' allowances in Halton match the recommended minimum average, and often amount to more, with allowances ranging from £105 to £480 per week. The fostering charity, which commissioned the research, said thousands of children were facing a 'postcode lottery' on going into foster care.

However, there is currently no mandatory minimum allowance rate set by the Government for foster carers. The charity said it was concerned that the Government's children's Green Paper, published last week, did not include measures to ensure that all foster carers received adequate allowances.

Halton Borough Council's executive board member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrell said: "Unfortunately, fostered children are being let down by a system which is judging them on where they live.
"Foster carers in Halton are well financially supported by the Council, and we would like to encourage more people to come forward and offer their help in finding loving homes for over 180 looked after children in Halton."

If you would like to find out more about Adoption or Fostering a child in Halton, please Halton call 01928 704 360 or email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for a free information

Foster care fortnight urges people to help Halton children

Halton Borough Council's Adoption and Fostering Services will have staffed recruitment stands across the borough in an effort to attract more foster carers to the service.

The stands will give the public the chance to speak to someone on an informal basis about all aspects of foster care and collect a free information pack. Runcorn's very own clown, Pop-up Polly (as appeared on BBC's Johnny Vaughan tonight) will also be entertaining at some of the stands.

The recruitment events are being held to coincide with Foster Care Fortnight, which is being held from 12-25 May 2003. Foster Care Fortnight is an annual event run by national charity, The Fostering Network, to attract new foster carers across the UK.

During the fortnight, Halton Borough Council and authorities around the UK will try to raise the profile of fostering to highlight the need for more foster carers. The Fostering Network advises of an estimated shortage of 8,000 foster carers across the UK.

On an average day, more than 48,000 children and young people are living in foster homes throughout the UK - 170 of which reside in Halton. Thousands more who are unable to live with their parents - for whatever reason - could benefit from care in a foster home if more carers were available.

Halton Borough Council's Executive Board member for Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "By holding recruitment stands and working with annual events such as Foster Care Fortnight we can help raise awareness of the need for more carers, and reach people who may not yet have seen our pleas. Adoption and Fostering Services are looking for people, 18 to 80, single or married, working or not. All we ask is that they have the time, energy and space in their lives to help give these children the care they need."

To find out more, visit Halton's Adoption and Fostering stands at Direct Link, Halton Lea, Runcorn from Monday 12 to Tuesday 21 May, and at ASDA in Widnes from Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 May. Pop-up Polly will be at the recruitment stand at ASDA on Friday May between 12 to 3pm.

You can also call Adoption and Fostering Services on 01928 704 360, email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk or visit the Council's website at: www.halton.gov.uk

Egg-stra special prizes for Halton's foster children at Easter

Halton Borough Council's looked after children have been impressing staff from the Adoption and Fostering team with their egg-ceptional artistic talents!

The Team, part of the Council's Social Services Directorate, recently arranged a "Create your own Easter Card" competition. Entry forms were sent out asking foster carer's own children and children placed with carers to design a greeting card for Easter.

Entry forms were sent out asking foster carer's children and foster children to design a greeting card for Easter.

There were three age categories, 0-6, 7-11 and 12+, with prizes for the winner from each age group donated by the Council's Adoption and Fostering Team.

Each winner was presented with a £10 gift voucher and a mega-egg.

Halton Borough Council's Executive Board member for Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "We had a great response to the competition with some impressive entries. The real aim of the competition was to involve carers' own children and looked after children in an activity that provided them, as a whole, with some fun and entertainment."

Halton's supermarket sweep for adoption and fostering

Halton Borough Council's Adoption and Fostering Services, in conjunction with local supermarkets and shopping centres, is to widen it's search for carers by advertising in public places.

The decision to display information stands at various supermarkets throughout the region was taken in the hope of attracting more people to foster in Halton. There are currently more than 175 looked after children in Halton Social Services care, who need people to offer them a home, be it temporary or permanent.

By introducing the display stands into the public arena, people will be given the opportunity to voluntarily find out more about adoption and fostering by picking up free information packs.

Runcorn and Widnes ASDA, Morrisons at the Green Oaks Shopping Centre and Halton Lea in Runcorn have all offered their support to the service by providing display space for the scheme free of charge.

The displays are part of a major recruitment campaign in Halton to promote the Borough Council's Adoption and Fostering services to the public. Along with many other local authorities across the UK, the service is desperately in need of more foster carers.

Halton Borough Council's Executive Board member for Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "By increasing our advertising across the borough, we can raise awareness of the need for more carers, and reach people who may not yet have seen our pleas. Adoption and Fostering services are looking for people, single or married, working or not, between 18 and 80 - all we ask is that they have time and love to give these children."

To find out how you can make a difference to a child's life, call Halton Borough Council's Adoption and Fostering Service on 01928 704 360, email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk or visit the Council's website at: www.halton.gov.uk

Local businesses pledge their support to adoption and fostering

Businesses across Runcorn and Widnes have pledged to lend their support to Halton Borough Council's Adoption and Fostering Services, in a bid to raise awareness of the need for foster carers in the borough.

Halton's Adoption and Fostering Team has been in discussion with a number of local businesses over introducing an extended advertising campaign on behalf of the service, which includes displaying leaflets and posters in their reception, staff rooms and public areas.

Many businesses have already offered their support to the campaign including, Atos Origin, Tibbitt & Britten and O'Hare Engineering.

As well as leaflet displays, some companies have also offered gift donations, event sponsorship and wage slip attachments to help promote the need for more foster carers across the borough and encourage people to come forward.

Halton's Executive Board member for social care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "We are so grateful for the support of local businesses and we truly value their much needed help in raising the profile of adoption and fostering across Halton. This campaign is one of many to help promote the need for more foster carers and adopters for the many children in care throughout the borough.

"If there are any businesses, who feel they could offer their support, however large or small, they should contact Halton Borough Council's Adoption and Fostering service."

If your business could help by offering much needed support, please contact Jenny at Adoption and Fostering Services on 01928 704 360, email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk Web: www.halton.gov.uk

Don't forget our local children

As this week sees the launch of Red Nose Day, Halton Borough Council is asking people in the borough to think about helping children and families in their own area.

Halton currently has more than 170 children and young people in care. Many of these children have to spend time in residential care homes or be placed far away from their homes, families and friends, as there are just not enough foster carers in the borough to place them.

There are many different types of foster care, from long term fostering to short term breaks which can be for as little as a few hours, a weekend or a week during school holidays. Although Halton's foster carers offer an invaluable service, Adoption and Fostering is not viewed as a 'charity' and is therefore often overlooked during national campaigns such as Red Nose Day.

Halton Borough Council's Executive Board member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell said; "Halton's Adoption and Fostering Service is always looking for more foster carers who can provide a safe home to children and young people. Many people still think there are strict rules that may prevent them from becoming a foster carer, but this is not the case. What counts is your time, commitment and enthusiasm - we really do depend on the public's help to give these children a brighter future."

To find out how you can make a difference to a child's life, call the Halton Adoption and Fostering Service on 01928 704 360, email: adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk or visit the website at www.halton.gov.uk.

Fostering recruitment drive gets mobile!

Halton Borough Council's Adoption & Fostering Service is launching advertising campaigns across the region this month in a bid to highlight a recruitment drive for more foster carers across Runcorn and Widnes.

There are many children and young people in the care of Halton Borough Council's social services - with the number currently standing at more than 170.

The recruitment campaign is part of a strategy to promote Adoption & Fostering to the public of Halton, and help disperse some of the myths attached to the service. In addition to this, Halton's Adoption & Fostering Service, like many other local authorities across the UK, is desperately in need of more foster carers.

Halton's Executive Board member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell said: "Many people still think there are strict rules which will prevent them from becoming a foster carer. The campaigns aim is to dispel this myth. If you are 18 to 80, single, married, working or not - you can be a carer. What counts is your time, commitment and enthusiasm."

The campaign will also promote the particular need Halton has for carers for teenagers.

Cllr Tyrrell added: "There are many teenagers who are placed in care for short periods of time. They often have to spend time in residential care homes, or with carers a long distances from home due to the lack of carers for older children within the borough. Our carers don't all view caring for foster children as a 'job'. However, carers can earn allowances of up to £450 per week and some actually give up their jobs to concentrate on caring full-time".

Look out for the striking advertisements on buses, bus shelters and billboards around the region.

To find out how you can make a difference to a child's life, call the Halton Adoption & Fostering Service on 01928 704 360, or email: adoption@fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for a free information pack.

Increased benefits for Foster Carers

This week the government announced it is considering setting a minimum allowance payable to Foster Carers across the UK. Directors of Social Services are currently being consulted over the proposal, which is being considered as part of the Department of Health's Choice Protects review of foster care.

As a further measure to encourage more people to become foster carers the Department of Work and Pensions is also considering whether to let foster care allowances contribute towards a state pension.

A survey of 89 local authorities conducted by the Fostering Network found that 56% pay less than the Fostering Network's minimum standards.

Halton Adoption & Fostering Services foster care allowances range from £100 - £450 per week. Most allowances paid are not taxable and do not affect any state benefits. Compared to the Fostering Network's figures, Halton is clearly ahead of many other local authorities when it comes to supporting foster carers and children in their care.

The consultation with Local Authorities is to continue until April, with the government is likely to issue guidance and new policies later in the year.

Halton's Executive Board member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "This is good news for Foster Carers in Halton. Halton Adoption & Fostering Services has tried to maintain above average allowances for carers together with a full support package. The issue of pension schemes is something that can not be addressed without a change in government legislation".

If you would like more information on how to become a foster carer, call Halton Adoption & Fostering Services on 01928 704 360 or email: adoption@fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for a free information pack. Website: www.halton.gov.uk

Foster care gets single minded

SINGLE people are not usually what the public have in mind when they think of foster carers - but they couldn't be more wrong.

Carole Shaw, 59, from Runcorn, is a single foster carer who just wished she had got involved sooner!

"I had cared for a disabled relative and I thought it was a good way of helping people," she said. "But I thought that because I was single there was no way they would take me."

Carole joined Halton Council's adoption service two years ago after being made redundant and has never looked back. She went on: "I trained for eight weeks with the staff and the other foster parents and they were all so friendly. We all enjoyed going and everyone got to know each other. "Now I am a short-term foster parent and weekend carer, providing respite and day care."

"I have great memories of the children, they are just so lovely. All they want is love and understanding, and when they are with me, if it's for a weekend or a couple of weeks, they are part of the family.

"The children seem to accept it straight away, the last couple of children had never been in care before but in two days the little girl was calling me auntie!" The benefits of getting involved go both ways.

"I have met so many different people doing this", added Carole. "You are always going out to places like the park and it's kept me younger because you have to be on your toes with them.

"It's a lot of fun and you really miss the children when they've gone. All the foster carers I know enjoy it and I don't think any of us classify it as a job. "If you love children, give it a go. After I started I just thought 'why didn't I do it before?'"

To get involved, contact the council adoption service on 01928-704360.

We're here to help
by Craig McIntosh of The World Newspaper

THIS time of year can bring great joy or great sadness for families - especially for children.

For Alison and Ian Farquar, their best Christmas was when they took on their first foster children.

The St Helen's couple fostered the Halton children after joining Halton Council's adoption service.

Alison, aged 35, said: "We were in Morrisons one day and there was a table from Halton's fostering service and we decided to get involved. It was daunting but the council put us at ease and gave us a lot of support."

Their first permanent foster children were a three-year-old girl and her eight-month-old brother, and they lived with the Farquars for 18 months.

"It was great, it was wonderful because my little boy was the same age and it was Christmas time," said Alison.

After that magical Christmas, the Farquars got down to the day-to-day business of looking after the kids.

"There were difficult moments, like knowing the right thing to say at the right time, because you don't get a set of instructions with children," said Alison. "But all the children loved each other. They would be arguing one minute, but if one of them fell down, the other would be there to pick them up!

"Seeing them resettled for adoption was magical, because we had supported them through a traumatic period and we had helped them develop their identity." Alison has advice for anyone considering adoption.

"You see adverts saying 'please help' and you throw a £1 coin into a bucket from time to time, but the real need is for people to actually do something about it. It's daunting, but you don't have to jump in both feet first, you can start off by befriending a family and maybe just doing babysitting.

"It doesn't cost money, but time, and you can benefit the children by sharing love and time with them. It's really quite humbling."

You can contact the adoption and fostering service on 01928-704360.

Halton Council's Children's Services Team praised

Halton Borough Council has praised members of its Social Services staff, after they were thanked by the Department of Health's National Adoption and Permanence Task Force for their hard work on a recent project.

Halton's Children's Services received the vote of thanks from the National Adoption and Permanence Task Force, after working with the group over the last 8 months.

Feedback from both the Taskforce and Halton staff during their time working together was very positive. The Taskforce, made up of experts in the field of adoption, had been invited in by Social Services to ensure that the adoption service was developing as it should be. The Taskforce spent a total of 15 days with Children's Services and reported that 'Halton made the most of the opportunities offered'.

Halton's Executive Board member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Pat Tyrrell, said: "It is a credit to the Council's Children's Management Team involved that the Taskforce has asked we pass on their thanks to the staff for their enthusiasm and willing input." Carol Iddon, who is the department's reviewing and monitoring unit manager has been invited to do a presentation on the subject 'A Matter of Good Practice' at the next Taskforce meeting in London.

There is a continuing need for more people to come forward as potential adopters in Halton. Enquiries can be made at the Halton Adoption & Fostering Service on 01928 704 360, or email adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for further information.

HALTON CHILDREN GIVE SANTA THEIR CHRISTMAS LISTS

HALTON'S looked-after children have already placed their Christmas present list in safe hands - after seeing Santa himself at their Christmas party.

The Council's Social Services Department, along with Halton's carers arranged the party for looked-after children, carers and their families throughout Widnes and Runcorn, last week.

Halton's Mayor and Mayoress attended, and joined in with the festive fun, which included a disco, tombola, buffet and even a visit from Father Christmas.

All aspects of the party - including the venue, entertainment and catering - were organised by the carers themselves, who work hard all year round to ensure looked after children in Runcorn and Widnes get the best level of care possible.

Halton Council is always looking for foster carers to join our team of dedicated carers. If you are interested in Fostering or Adoption, or would just like to know if you are eligible to become a carer, call the Halton Adoption & Fostering Service on 01928 704 360 for an informal chat or email adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for further information.

HALTON'S CHILDREN IN NEED - CAN YOU HELP?

AS this week sees the launch of the BBC's Children in Need campaign, Halton Council is asking people in the borough to think about the possibility of helping a local child in need.

Halton currently has more than 170 children and young people in care. Many of these children often have to spend time in residential care homes or be placed far away from their homes, families and friends, as there are just not enough foster carers to place them with.

When Christmas time approaches, Halton's need for carers is often greater, as the usual stresses and strains of the festive season often heighten family problems resulting more children requiring care.

There are many different types of foster care, from long term placements, to offering short-term breaks from as little as a few hours, a weekend or a week during school holidays. All Halton's carers offer an invaluable service, and as Halton's Adoption and Fostering department is not viewed as a 'charity' their services are often overlooked in national campaigns such as Children in Need.

Halton's Executive Board member for Social Care and Health, Cllr Pat Tyrrell said: "The Adoption and Fostering Services Team in Halton is always desperately looking for families or individuals who can provide a safe and loving environment to children and young people. You don't need special qualifications or previous experience, it's your enthusiasm that counts - we really do depend on your to help give these children a brighter future."

If you are interested in Fostering or Adoption, or would just like to know if you are eligible to become a carer, call the Halton Adoption & Fostering Services Team on 01928 704 360 for an informal chat or email adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for further information. We offer our carers generous allowances (up to £350 per week for older children), in-depth training and full advice and support from our dedicated team of social workers and support groups.

HALTON COUNCIL HOLDS FORUM FOR FOSTER CARERS

MEMBERS of Halton Council's Social Services department met with foster carers from throughout the Borough this week, in an effort to establish how best to support carers in their task of caring for looked-after-children.

Foster parents from Widnes and Runcorn were invited to Halton's Municipal Buildings to speak to Officers from Children's Services on Thursday 14 November, at a meeting chaired by the Executive Director of Social Care, Housing and Health, Diana Terris.

Items on the agenda included raising the profile of fostering, publicising the enjoyment for carers as well as the challenges, examining the support needs of foster carers and looking at ways to recruit more foster carers within the borough.

By inviting foster carers - who share hands-on experience in caring for youngsters - the Forum was able to gauge the views of both the carers, and the children they look after.

Looked-after children and teenagers have also been sent a letter from Halton Council that invites them to voice any concerns to their local Councillor, who in their role as 'Corporate Parent' will pass on any issues to Social Services for them.

Halton's Executive Director for Social Care, Housing and Health, Diana Terris said: "I find these meetings an extremely important way of finding out, first hand, what we can do to improve the Fostering service and appreciate the carers' taking time out to join our discussions. "First and foremost, our objective is the welfare of the children, and that the carers are supported in their work. I hope that with the fosters carers' participation to the Forum, we can reach our goals."

CHANGES IN ADOPTION LAWS TO BENEFIT HALTON'S UNMARRIED COUPLES

A Government decision to overhaul and modernise Adoption laws means that more couples in Halton will be able to apply to become adoptive parents.

Following the granting of Royal Assent to the Adoption and Children Act, there are now fundamental provisions that will change the face of adoption law.

Halton Council's social services has always accepted applications from unmarried people to be adoptive parents, but due to changes in the law, couples who aren't married will be encouraged to apply for adoption - subject to an assessment process, which also applies to married couples and single people.

The Act will also help Halton's Social Services to work towards cutting delays in the adoption process and ensure new adoptive parents are offered the support they need.

Health Minister Jacqui Smith said "The revised Act will underpin our drive to speed up the adoption process and deliver our target for a 40% increase, and if possible a 50% increase, in the number of looked after children who are adopted."

Halton's Executive Board member for Health and Social Care, Pat Tyrrell said: "The changes to the Adoption and Children Act are, first and foremost beneficial to the children in Halton, as it is them who need to be placed with loving and caring people. Secondly, I hope this news will give confidence to more potential adopters in Halton who have considered the idea of looking after children."

If you are interested in Fostering or Adoption, or would just like to know if you are eligible to become a carer, call the Halton Adoption & Fostering Services Team on 01928 704 360 for an informal chat or email adoption&fostering@halton-borough.gov.uk for further information.

ADOPTIVE FAMILIES SHORTAGE LEAVES HALTON CHILDREN WAITING

HALTON Borough Council is this week calling on more people to think about adopting a child.

The call coincides with National Adoption Week, organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), and as part of this Halton Council is looking for loving people who can provide a home for children currently waiting to be adopted in the Halton area.

National Adoption Week aims to encourage more prospective adopters to come forward, and coupled with this year's theme, 'Do something amazing - Transform a life' conveys how adoption can offer a child a new start in life as well as transform the lives of adoptive parents.

Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, Pat Tyrell, said: "We're calling for people in Halton to think about whether they could offer a child a loving and permanent home. Adoption is a lifelong commitment and while it can be challenging, it is also one of the most rewarding things you can ever do."

Halton Council's Social Services department often finds many people rule themselves out of adoption as they think they may not fit the criteria.

"There are many common myths about who can and can't adopt," Councillor Tyrell added.

"Some people think if they are out of work, single, renting their home or are over 40 - to name just a few - they won't be considered for adoption. This is simply not true. What counts is that you are healthy enough to care for a child, and can offer a loving and stable environment."

For more information about adoption, call the Adoption & Fostering Service for an informal chat and information pack, on 01928 704 360 or www.halton-borough.gov.uk