IT'S National Adoption Week and there are children in Dorset desperately looking for a home.

Dorset County Council is supporting the week and using it to highlight the shortage of adoptive and foster families in the county.

While many people considering adoption are looking for a very young child, there is a shortage of people who can welcome youngsters aged over three years into their families.

The council's adoption and fostering teams are particularly keen to find homes for brothers and sisters who want to stay together as well as children from minority ethnic backgrounds and children with disabilities.

Most of the children will have been affected by the trauma of losing their natural families and all of them will have particular needs. Some have suffered abuse.

Sandra has been fostering for more than eight years with five children staying with her a year or more.

"A lot of children that come to a foster carer have grown up fast, missing out on a real childhood. Even though they may seem brave, you need to remember that they're still a child underneath. They need security and consistency, to feel a part of your family. It's so rewarding to see a child who has been in your family grow up to be a confident young person."

And Jo from Wimborne knows how important it is to spend time with a foster family.

"Being in foster care for me meant feeling safe. Up to this point in my life I had never experienced a real sense of security and for the first time I was able to concentrate on my education."

As well as adoption there is also the option of permanent fostering.

To find out about children who need families now, or general information about long-term fostering or adoption, call 0800 358 1060 or 01305 251414.

First published: November 11, 2005