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Adoptive families speak to Minister about their experiences

Issued: 27 October 04

As part of National Adoption Week, (1-7 November) the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) will be holding a parliamentary reception on November 3rd. Margaret Hodge, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, together with MPs and Peers will be attending this special event.

National Adoption Week aims to encourage more people to come forward and adopt the nearly 4,000 children who are waiting to be adopted.

Adoptive young people and parents will have the opportunity to tell the Minister about some of their experiences and also to hear from the Minister herself about ways in which she will 'make it happen' for other children to join new families.

Larry Baker, 16, who will be attending the reception, was adopted as a toddler and spoke about his experiences:

"When my parents adopted me, they gave me a second chance. I became part of a loving and stable family and that's something that most of us take for granted. I would like to see many more children given the same opportunities as me to be part of a family."

Margaret Hodge, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, said:
"I am delighted to give my support to National Adoption Week again this year and I know that this year BAAF will be concentrating especially on highlighting the needs of children who are waiting for families now."

"The Government has introduced new improved adoption support services to help families who adopt. We will bring into force all the remaining measures in the Adoption and Children Act 2002 next year. This will complete the most radical overhaul of adoption legislation since the 1970s."

Felicity Collier, BAAF's chief executive, said:
"Currently, there are nearly 4,000 children that are waiting for a family and we would like to see these children, where possible, adopted into loving and permanent homes."

"I'm delighted that the Minister was able to join us on this very special occasion and meet young people and families whose lives are touched by adoption and the issues around it".

Ends

Contact:

Gabriella Brooks, Media Manager, 020 7593 2053 (out of hours (07767 444 589) or Lucy Handford 020 7593 2054.

Notes to Editor

• If you would like to attend the reception, please contact the BAAF press office on 020 7593 2054.
• Photographs of the event will be available. If you would like one sent electronically to your publication, please contact the BAAF press office.
• The British Association for Adoption and Fostering is the UK's leading adoption and fostering charity.