Adopting siblings twice the reward

The week,which lasts until Sunday, aims to inform people about the benefits of long and short-term fostering, in particular of adopting siblings so they can stay together.

Kirklees Council’s assistant director for family support and child protection Paul Johnson said: “Adopted children have usually had a difficult start in life and it is even more important for them to experience the stability and support that being with their brothers and sisters can bring.”

Emma and Andrew Sutton adopted two children – a brother and sister, now aged three and four, a year and a half ago.

They want to encourage other families to do the same.

Emma said: “It took a few months but with patience and love they soon settled in. It helped that they had each other and particularly during those early days this was a huge comfort to them.

“A year-and-a-half on and their relationship is as strong as ever – watching them walking around holding hands and chatting – it’s fantastic!”

During 2013-14 Kirklees Council found adoptive families for 53 children, 13 of whom were part of a sibling group. With the number of siblings in need of adoption expected to rise, the need for more families like Emma and Andy has never been greater.

To find out more about adopting via Kirklees Council, call the Council’s adoption team on 0800 028 3001.