WE would sincerely like to thank everyone who supported and contributed to the success of National Adoption Week in Wales which is run by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF).

This year BAAF collaborated with our other voluntary adoption agency partners in Wales: Adoption UK, After Adoption, Barnardo's Cymru and St David's Children society. We would particularly like to thank those who felt inspired to come forward and potentially offer families to children in need of a secure and loving home.

With over 4,000 children across the UK in need of adoption we estimate each year in Wales alone 300 new children require adoptive families. During this year's National Adoption Week campaign in Wales we asked people to think about those children who wait the longest for a new permanent family: sibling groups of children who need to stay together; children over three years of age and children with disabilities or complex needs.

Adopters are needed and welcomed from every sector of society - from 21 years up, from every income level, ethnic group, religious persuasion and sexual orientation - and if you are considering whether adoption is for you, we urge you to contact your local adoption agency or voluntary adoption agency or visit www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk for further information.

Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Social Services The British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF), After Adoption,

Adoption UK, Barnardo's Cymru, St David's Children Society

Lambourne Crescent

Cardiff