Prospective adopters learn of parenting joy. Pic: Shutterstock

Potential parents considering adopting children will be able to share the experiences of other families at a meeting for Hackney residents.

Adoption North London  is conducting a presentation and information session at 5.30pm in Stoke Newington Town Hall on August  21.

Discussions aim to break down some of the commonly held myths about adoption – such as there being a certain ‘ideal’ profile to be a parent.

In fact, the background for a potential mother or father of an adopted child is very diverse. They can be gay, lesbian, straight, married, single or a couple that live together. This will  be explained, together with a presentation that will go through the basic steps of the adoption process. Attendants will also receive information about support and preparation.

Parents will speak about the problems and the joy of bringing giving a child a new home. Sally, 46, who did not want to mention her last name, adopted her daughter through the agency.

She said: “Adopting a child is life-changing – not just for the child being adopted but for the whole family. It’s an emotional journey, and as a parent, one you will find rewarding and fun – even with its challenges.”

According to Adoption North London, there are around 50 children waiting to be adopted across the six buroughs covered by the group. Nationally, the number of children searching for a new home is 6,000.

The joint recruitment service works in six London boroughs – Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington. The scheme was launched in 2013 three years ago and  placed 100 children in adoptive families during it’s first year.

Councillor Anntoinette Bramble, Hackney’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Becoming an adoptive parent is one of the biggest choices anyone will ever make and we want to make sure that people considering adoption feel supported every step of the way.

“Our information evenings are an opportunity to find out what it’s really like from existing adopters, and also to find out about the practical parts of the process in a relaxed environment.”

The information sessions take place every two weeks. For more info about them follow Adoption North London page. Attendance is free.

To book your place, call 0800 6940101 or email info@adoptionnorthlondon.co.uk