A special event is being held to help people interested in adopting find out more information before embarking on their own adoption journey.

The event is being held 6.30-9.30pm on Wednesday 21 November at the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh.

Organised by East Lothian Council’s Adoption and Kinship Team, the evening event at the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh, is being held as part of Scotland’s Adoption Week (20 to 24 November 2023). The informal and friendly event will give people who are considering adoption the opportunity to meet social workers from the team and experienced adopters who will be on hand to answer any questions.

There are many reasons that people choose adoption as a way to start or grow their family. The council’s dedicated Adoption team works with people throughout the process to make sure they are supported from the earliest stages to welcoming a child into their home and beyond. East Lothian Council’s service aims to assess four to six adopters each year; once a child or children are placed with the family, the team continues to work closely with them as they bond and grow together. This support can continue for as long as it is needed.

Ian Burdett, a Senior Practitioner with East Lothian Council’s Adoption and Kinship team said: “We are looking forward to welcoming people to our information evening, so they can find out more about adoption. We’ll have experienced adopters and social workers who have direct experience of all aspects of the adoption process at the event. They are keen to answer any questions that prospective adopters may have. Our adopters will be able to share some of their ‘top tips’ and talk about some of the things they wish they’d known before embarking on their own adoption journeys.

“Although the team is interested in talking to anyone who is interested in adoption, we are particularly keen to meet prospective adopters from the East Lothian area, as we recognise the value that we can offer to our adopters through ongoing local support. We also promote and encourage peer support and are keen to add to our strong network of adopters in East Lothian.”

Further information on adoption is available online at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/adoption or from the Adoption and Kinship Team by telephone (01620 827644) or emailing communityresources@eastlothian.gov.uk

Published: Thursday, 9th November 2023