FAMILES across Essex are being encouraged to consider adopting brothers and sisters desperately in need of a home.

National Adoption Week began today and as part of the national campaign, Essex County Council are looking for new parents and families to consider taking on groups of siblings.

There are currently 41 children in the county up for adoption.

23 of those are a either a sister or brother to another child up for adoption.

These children sadly have to wait longer to be found a new family due to the bigger commitment of taking on more than one child.

Councillor Dick Madden, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, said: "Many of the children in Essex who need adopting are part of sibling groups and wherever possible we look to keep them together.

"Unfortunately brothers and sisters can often face a much longer wait to find a loving home and we are desperately in need of families who can help change that.

"Siblings have a special bond and our adopters regularly tell us they feel it made the transition into their family easier."

As well as an appeal for more siblings to be adopted, Essex County Council are hoping to find new families for children aged between four and eight, and children with learning disabilities.

Families who do choose to adopt will be in line to receive support both during and after the adoption process.

Essex County Council will be hosting special sibling-themed adoption information events at County Hall in Chelmsford on October 24 and November 7.

To reserve a place at the event, call 0800 801 530.

To find out more information about adopting, visit essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/adoption.