Older Kids In Care 'Need Families Too'

Potential adoptive parents are being urged to consider older and disabled children and siblings.

A study released today shows they face the longest wait for a family of any children in care. While children under 4 face a wait of around 2 years, it can take more than 3 years for 4 to 5 year olds to find a home.

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo's Scotland, said: "Older children wait nearly 50% longer than babies to be matched with their adoptive families. The sooner we can find stable, loving families to care for them, the sooner they can begin to fulfil their potential.

"At Barnardo's Scotland, our experience shows that adopting an older child, siblings, or a child with a disability can bring a great deal of joy for the whole family."

National Adoption Week 2015 takes place from the 19th to 25th October. The theme this year is ‘Too old at 4?’