NEXT week is National Adoption Week and the need for permanent families for children in Wiltshire is as great as ever.

Wiltshire Council is keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who are interested in learning more about adoption.

Ten boys and nine girls, aged between one and ten, are currently waiting to be adopted in Wiltshire.

Among these children are five sibling groups and the council is particularly interested in hearing from people who can adopt brothers and sisters and help keep them together.

Inquiries are welcome from people living in Wiltshire of any ethnic, cultural or religious background, including single people or couples whether they are married or not, gay or lesbian.

Many of the children waiting to be adopted have health, behavioural or emotional difficulties and pose a significant challenge.

Wiltshire Council's adoption manager, Andrea Viner, said: “We need adoptive parents who could offer TLC and boundaries, make effective use of the supports around them and respond to a child’s needs into the future.

“There are many myths about who can and can’t adopt a child, but really we would like to hear from anyone who feels they have the resilience and skills to care for and support a child who has had a difficult start in life.”

Information sessions take place across the county on a regular basis so people can find out more about the adoption process. The next one will take place in Salisbury on December 3 and people who are interested in attending can call 0800 169 6321.

To find out more about adoption in Wiltshire, log on to www.wiltshirefosteringandadoption.org.uk or contact the recruitment team on 0800 169 6321.