More adoptive parents needed in Omagh area

THE Western Trust is hosting an informal event in Omagh on the evening of April 8 for local people to find out more about becoming an adoptive parent.

The Omagh area has a comparatively low recruitment of adoptive parents compared to other areas of the Western Trust, but Roisin Lynch, principal practitioner of the Trust’s adoption and permanency services, believes there are many people here who are just a few questions away from taking a child into their home.

The UH spoke with Roisin to find out more about the adoption process.

Roisin explained who is suitable to become an adoptive parent and how adoption can change the life of parent and child.

She also took the time to dispel some of the myths that feed common worries that trouble people when considering adoption.

Roisin began, “There are lots of people who have an inclination to adopt, but, who believe, for one reason or another, that there is some barrier preventing them from doing so.

In truth, a lot these perceived barriers are bogus.

“You can adopt whether you are single or living with someone, gay or straight, a homeowner or unemployed.”

Roisin said that of the many anxiety-fuelling myths that exist around adoption, many turn out to be unfounded. She said that the informal evening in Omagh’s Community House will provide the perfect opportunity for people, who may only have fleetingly considered adoption, to get straightforward, honest answers to all their questions.

“Come along and hear the positive stories first-hand from people who have been in the same position as you, and actually become adoptive parents,” exhorted Roisin.

There are currently a number of children age 1-5 in the Omagh area waiting for adoptive families, including children who are part of a sibling group.

Roisin stated, “By adopting you are changing a child’s life by giving them a family, predictability, stability, and making them part of a community.

“You’ll be there as they reach different milestones along the way, making friends and going to school. You’ll never tire of seeing your child develop.”

Roisin concluded by emphasising a few crucial points, “If you adopt you’ll not be left alone.

“Your family will be surrounded by a team who will support you.

“We welcome enquiries whether you are single, a couple without birth children, or you already have children and would like to offer another child/ children a loving forever home.

“If you would like to learn more, call into the Community House from 6-8pm on Friday, April 8.

“Alternatively, drop into the virtual info session from 3-5pm on April 6, and register by calling 0800 0720 137 or emailing your name, postcode & number to info@fostering.hscni.net.”

“Please don’t feel by chatting to us you are making any commitment to adopt – we are here to give you as much information as we can about becoming an adoptive parent.”