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."
