Following this year's National Adoption Week campaign (November 3-9) Hertfordshire County Council is raising awareness of children in the region who desperately need an adoptive home.

There are nearly 100 children in Hertfordshire who need the security only adoption can offer, and Hertfordshire County Council is looking for people from all all backgrounds who might be interested to get in touch. 

One woman from south west Hertfordshire decided to adopt with her partner for the first time five years ago. Two years later they adopted again.

She said: "We have two children, the eldest suffered from severe neglect and the youngest has learning difficulties. We chose adoption because we are unable to have children of our own, and it's one of the best things we have done.

"It is not a conventional way to have children, and it certainly has its challenges, in terms of the children's difficulties, but how they deal with things is a real inspiration. 

"It is incredibly rewarding and I wouldn't change anything for the world."

Richard Roberts, cabinet member for children's services, said: "The most vulnerable children in our society need a safe place where they can grow up, learn to trust again and feel secure. 

"We know that children in need of an adoptive home need extra special parenting by people who won't give up at the first sign of difficulty, and who can live with the uncertainties that children who have experience trauma in their early years can bring."

Hertfordshire County Council's fostering and adoption recruitment team would love to hear from people interested in adoption, and are keen to talk with people from all walks of life, especially those who come from ethinic minority backgrounds. There is no upper age limit for adoptive parents, although you will need to be fit and healthy. Call 0800 917 0925 to find out more information.