The hunt is on for adoptive parents, with the council seeking homes for 14 children in four sibling groups before the week is up.

With National Adoption Week under way from today, Barking and Dagenham Council is focusing on the need for people to adopt siblings.

In September the Post reported how one in three sibling groups in foster care in the borough had been split up – the highest number in London.

To address this problem, the council will host an information session tomorrow at Relish Café, in Barking Town Square, where would-be adoptive parents can ask questions.

The council, which is looking to home the four groups of siblings by Sunday, hopes to challenge “myths” about adoption.

A spokesman said there are no “blanket bans” on anyone applying, regardless of age, marital status or sexuality.

Cllr Evelyn Carpenter, cabinet member for education, said: “Adopting a child is certainly a life-changing event, but it can also be one of the most rewarding.

“We need people who can offer a child or sibling group a loving and supportive family life, helping a child to recover from the difficulties that led them in to care and support and encourage them to thrive as they grow.”

She added: “I appreciate that before taking that step to apply people may have many questions and that’s why events like this are so helpful.”

National Adoption Week is organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) to raise awareness and encourage potential parents to come forward.

Barbara Hutchinson, interim chief executive at BAAF, said: “Sibling relationships are very important and can be very special. They can provide mutual support, love and constancy.

“For children who have had an unsettled and uncertain start in life, it can be especially devastating to then lose their brothers and sisters.”

For more information call 020 8227 5555, email adoption@lbbd.gov.uk or visit lbbd.gov.uk/adoption.

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Reunited: Siblings who were torn apart as children meet in a Dagenham pub

One in three foster care children split from siblings in Barking and Dagenham