NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEK 2006

That this House congratulates the British Association for Adoption and Fostering for holding National Adoption Week from 6th to 12th November; recognises the importance of providing a loving and permanent family for children who cannot live with birth parents; congratulates the British Association for Adoption and Fostering on encouraging people to consider adopting children in care; is concerned that this country is facing a shortage of people willing to adopt; is further concerned that older children, children with disabilities, black and ethnic minority children and sibling groups wait the longest for new families; believes that National Adoption Week plays an important role in informing people about the role of adoption as a service for children; and looks forward to further progress from the British Association for Adoption and Fostering and other adoption agencies in supporting those who choose to adopt.