IN Britain thousands of children are living in care waiting for a new home and, with it, a new beginning.

The theme for this year's National Adoption Week – now in its fifth year – is 'wishing for a family'. And during this week children waiting for adoption across the UK will be sharing their hopes and dreams for a new family.

Efforts this year are being supported by a dedicated national helpline with trained staff offering information and advice to people considering adoption.

Campaign coordinator Felicity Collier, chief executive of the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), told the Times: "Right now there are thousands of children waiting for a new family and we want to reach out to the widest possible audience.

"Our key message is that we need adopters from all backgrounds to come forward regardless of income, race or marital status.

"We also want to raise awareness about new government legislation which means that from October adoptive parents and families will be entitled to more support than ever before."

She added: "National Adoption Week is a very important opportunity for children to find the new family they dream about.

"We think the public will be very moved by listening to what children waiting to be adopted are wishing for and we hope more people will consider adopting a child."

Over the past year Hillingdon’s Adoption and Foster team has approved 20 new adoptive families and has placed 27 children in adoptive or permanent foster families.

However, there are more children who need a new beginning and a loving home through adoption permanent fostering.

Kamini Rambellas, head of children’s services in Hillingdon, said: "People who are interested in fostering or adoption should not be put off by thinking they are unsuitable.

"Being a good parent isn't about how old you are or what you look like, it's about offering a child a safe and happy home."

"We recognise that adoption is a life long process and therefore support is available not only in the early days after the child joins their new family, but throughout their lives if required."

BAAF says that although it is not always easy, many adoptive parents will testify it can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life.

When you adopt a child, you legally take on all the rights and responsibilities for the child like any other parent. It is a lifelong commitment and, like all parenting, means sticking with it through good times and bad.

Adopters from all different backgrounds are needed. You can adopt whatever your culture, race, religion or sexuality.

The law in the UK says you need to be over 21 – but the most important quality is that you need to be able to show you can provide a permanent, stable and caring home for a child.

Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can contact BAAF on 020 7593 2000. Trained staff can offer information and advice.

Potential adopters should call Hillingdon Council on 01895 277850 or contact the Adoption and Permanency Team, 855 Uxbridge Road, Hayes UB4 8HZ