Tweets to Reveal Day in the Life of Adoption Team

An adoption team is breaking new ground by using Twitter to offer a real-time glimpse into its daily work.

To coincide with National Adoption Week, Leicestershire County Council will be tweeting for 10 hours this Thursday (3rd) to showcase the realities of a typical day.

It is thought to be the first time a council has used Twitter to offer an insight into the lives of social workers.

The 12-strong team places children in care who cannot return home with secure and loving families.

Social workers provide a wide range of help to potential adopters, arrange training and information sessions, assess applicants and work closely with families to find out if they’re ready to make a life-long commitment.

The Twitter feed will also shine a light on lesser-known tasks including working with adoptive parents to create ‘life story’ books which chart a child’s life, memories and pictures.

Last year, 19 children were adopted in the county - 17 under the age of five years and two over fives. Newly-published league tables show that 82 per cent of children in Leicestershire are adopted within 12 months.

Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the children and young people’s service, said: “Our adoption team makes a real difference to the lives of Leicestershire children and I’m pleased we’re shining the spotlight on their work.

“Clearly, adopting a child is a life-long commitment and our adoption team is geared up to offer continual support and answer questions, as well as arrange social events and training.

“Adoption is one of the most challenging but also rewarding things you can do and if you believe you have what it takes, I’d encourage you to call the team to find out more.”

No special qualifications are required to adopt a child - to find out more, please visit www.spaceforachild.com or call 0116 305 0505 or freephone 0800 587 7767.

The adoption team will be tweeting between 9am and 7pm on Thursday, 3rd November – to read the tweets, follow Leicestershire County Council @LeicsCountyHall.