MORE families are needed to adopt children in Merseyside.

To mark National Adoption Week, Adoption in Merseyside (AiM) is urging people to think about whether they could provide a loving and stable home for children in need.

AiM hopes to recruit around 80 sets of adopters for Wirral, Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton over the next year.

Head of service for AiM Jenny Ness said: "Becoming an adopter is life changing, for everyone involved and is the single most important thing that will ever happen to a young person as it completely transforms their life chances.

"For the adopter, there truly is nothing more rewarding or fulfilling.

"Although the process of becoming an adopter has to be extremely thorough, we try and make it as pain free as possible.

"I would urge anyone who has ever thought about adoption to get in touch with us - it could be the best decision you ever make."

Anyone who is thinking about adopting will need to have a child-friendly lifestyle, provide a stable environment and be ready for the lifelong commitment adoption will bring.

Applications are open to people from all backgrounds regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexuality. Couples, single people, disabled people and people from all cultures are welcome.

AiM are particularly looking for parents who can offer a home to children of all ages who:

• Are part of a sibling group

• Are disabled or have a medical condition

• Have complex needs

• Are from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds

You must be:

• Over 21 and mature enough to meet the demands of parenthood

• Fit and well enough to care for children until they are adults

• Able to offer a secure home with a spare room for one or more children

For more information on adopting, please call AiM on 0151 477 8700 or visit www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk