A Durham Adoption Agency started by the Bishop Of Durham more than a
100 years ago is upbeat about the national adoption week and about the
next Bishop of Durham being an advocate for children and young people.
DFW Adoption of Stonebridge, Durham is using National Adoption week
to launching a monthly drop-in for those interested in adoption to find
out more about becoming adoptive parents. The agency which has been
recognised as 'Outstanding' by ofsted in three consecutive inspections
over the last eight years know that its offering is different and
unique.
Margaret Bell, Director of DFW adoption said: "My sense of pride and
ownership in an organisation that supports families for life and keeps
children safe is just amazing. I have worked in children's services all
my professional life and with DFW for 13 years - starting as an adoption
social worker. I took over running the agency back in 2005 - and since
then we have inspected by Ofsted three times and each time they have
recognised to be outstanding in every aspect of our work.
"DFW adoption really makes a difference in the lives of children and
young people through working in partnership with adoptive parents
throughout the lifetime of the adoption. We are there when we are
needed, whenever we are needed - and that is what makes us different and
outstanding."
The monthly informal adoption information event which will be held on
the first Wednesday of the month from 3-7pm at its Stonebridge, Durham
headquarters is an opportunity for prospective adopters to find out more
about what it takes to get involved and make a difference to the lives
of children and young people.
Started by the Bishop of Durham more than 100 years, DFW Adoption
continues to be supported by the Church of England Diocese of Durham
with the Ven. Stuart Bain, Archdeacon of Sunderland as Chair of its
management board.
Margaret said: "We were very excited to learn that the new Bishop of
Durham is to be The Right Reverend Paul Butler, the Church of England's
lead Bishop on Children and Young people and co-chair of the National
Safeguarding Committee. To have a new Bishop with Children and Young
people at the heart of his mission is fantastic and we will welcome his
involvement in our work here at DFW.
"Our work is not instead of the services offered by local authorities
it is an addition to and in lots of areas we work in partnership with
them. What makes us different and is part of why Ofsted hold us in such
high regard is that we are small enough to take a personal and long term
interest in our adopters and their adopted children - we are in
partnership and that really matters to our families."
Stuart Bain said: "This last 12 months has been outstanding too in
terms of the numbers of children placed. The pressure is still on for
recruitment, especially for older children, sibling groups and children
with particular needs. As an agency we are always looking for new ways
to increase our core business which is finding families for children,
who can provide loving and stable homes."