York is joining in the national celebrations for National Adoption Week (4-10 November) by encouraging people to find out more about adoption.

Across the UK 4,000 children are waiting to find an adoptive family, but for one in four it is likely to remain only a dream. And for every year a child waits their chances of being adopted reduce by 20 per cent. National Adoption Week is for anyone who would like to help change this, so that every child waiting in care finds somewhere they can feel safe and loved.

City of York Council is hosting an information event on Monday 4 November, for people to find out more about what’s involved. Held at West Offices, from 6.30-8.30pm, the informal event is open to anyone who is considering adopting a child or children, wanting to start the adoption process or who would like more information about adoption.

City of York Council has historically approved around 12 new adoptive families each year, but is looking to increase this to at least 18 families in 2013/14 and 21 in 2014/15.

If anyone wants to attend the information session they are asked to phone 01904 553525/3508 or email adoptionandfostering@york.gov.uk to book a place.

For more information visit www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk/ or www.york.gov.uk/adoption