‘Rule yourself in’ – that’s the message to people in County Durham considering becoming adoptive parents.

Sometimes when people think about adoption they have a particular idea of what an adoptive family looks like – but Durham County Council doesn’t.

All children are different and different types of family are needed to care for them. Adoptive parents can be single, living with a partner or in a same sex relationship.

Durham County Council has children who want to become part of a family and just need the right one to give them the love, security and nurturing they need.

During National Adoption Week, which runs from Monday, 5 November to Sunday, 11 November, people are being reminded that many different types of prospective parents could be eligible to adopt.

People in County Durham are invited to find out more about adoption at an information session between 4.30pm and 6.30pm at Durham Town Hall on Tuesday, 13 November.

Pat Wright, Durham County Council senior social worker in adoption recruitment, said: “People often have an image of the type of families we are seeking – the ‘ideal’ family. But what we are looking for is a wide variety of families with different skills and life experiences who are prepared to celebrate the unique character of the child they welcome into their family through adoption.

Social workers will be on hand during the session to answer questions about the adoption process, while parents who have already gone through the adoption process will be available to talk about their experiences.

There will also be information about the support and training available to families throughout their adoption journey.

For more information about the event call 03000 269 400.