PEOPLE in Worcester are being encouraged to consider adopting children in sibling groups.

A special information event, which will be held by agencies Adoption in the Black Country and Adoption Focus, will take place at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Tuesday, October 13, at 6pm, offering prospective adopters the facts about the process.

Almost 50 per cent of children seeking adoption are part of sibling groups but there is a dire shortage of adopters coming forward, meaning sibling groups often have to wait longest to find a family.

Anna Sharkey, chief executive officer of Adoption Focus, said “Being placed with their siblings may not be right for every child, but we really need people who are considering adoption to think about adopting brothers and sisters to help rectify this shortage, which sadly is also a national problem.

"Even though we are highlighting the need for adopters for brothers and sisters it’s not just adopters for siblings that we are searching for. We also need adopters for single children of all ages.

"I would therefore urge anyone who is thinking about adopting, be it a one child or a larger group, to come along to the next local information event to find out more.”

No booking is required to attend the event.