St Helens Council has begun a promotion drive in the hope more families will consider adopting a child.

Officials from the council are also particluarly keen to dispel the myth that adoption is just for childless couples and newborn babies.

A council spokesperson said: "The truth is that almost all children waiting to be adopted are over the age of three and many of them have been looking for a permanent family for several years, especially when siblings want to stay together.

"Without the promise of being adopted, the children spend many years in foster care and although foster carers do a brilliant and invaluable job, the whole idea of fostering is that it is temporary.

"If a child can't go home to their natural family, he or she may spend many years never quite knowing where `home' will be next week, next month or next year. The security and stability of a `forever family' is something that all children deserve".

The spokeperson also stressed that there is no such thing as a 'typical adopter', adding: "You can be married, single, divorced or living with your partner. You can have children at home, but feel that the family would be complete with another child. Or your children may have left home and have children of their own.

"Alternatively, you may never have had your own, but have experience of caring for children. Or you might be unemployed or working full-time and you don't need to have a big house or lots of money to be able to provide a loving home".

Anyone who would like to find out more about adoption and the adoption process should call Jan, Mike or Wandzia on 01744 456526 or view:

Adoption Net's guide to adoption