FAMILIES are being encouraged to consider adopting siblings during National Adoption Week. Essex County Council is trying to keep brothers and sisters together as it searches for homes for dozens of children each year.

Of the 41 of the children awaiting adoption in Essex, 23 are part of a sibling group of two or three children. This means they often have to wait much longer to find a home.

Councillor Dick Madden, Essex council’s cabinet member for Children, said: “We are committed to ensuring all children in Essex get the best start in life and our adopters play a key part in that.

“Many of the children in Essex who need adopting are part of sibling groups and wherever possible we look to keep them together.

“Unfortunately, brothers and sisters can often face a much longer wait to find a loving home and we are desperately in need of families who can help change that.

“Siblings have a special bond and our adopters regularly tell us they feel it made the transition into their family easier.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering adoption to get in touch with us this National Adoption Week and find out more.”

Families in Essex are being encouraged to consider adopting brothers and sisters this National Adoption Week.

There is also a demand for families willing to care for children aged between four and eight years old, and children with special educational needs or disabilities.

Those considering adoption in means you become part of a large, supportive adoption community. Adopters receive extensive local support, not only during the adoption process but throughout the young person’s childhood.

Support can be made available for those worrying about finances. Adopters come from various backgrounds and there are very few barriers, but you must be capable of parenting a child into adulthood.

Brothers Justin, Jacob and James, who love spending time together and playing outdoors, are among those children currently waiting to be adopted.

Justin, eight, enjoys riding his bike and camping in the back garden. Jacob, five, is very cheeky and loves going on walks with his foster carers’ dogs. Youngest brother James, one, likes anything musical and splashing around at bath time.

National Adoption Week, which runs from October 16 to October 22, is an ideal time to consider whether you could give children like these the love and care they need.

The council is hosting special sibling-themed adoption information events at County Hall in Chelmsford on October 24 and November 7.

To reserve a place, call 0800 801 530 or email adoption.recruitmentteam@essex.gov.uk or visit. To find out more go to essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/ adoption