Lancashire County Council is backing a campaign which encourages people from the lesbian, gay, bi or transgender (LGBT) community to consider fostering or adoption.

Now in its seventh year, LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week takes place from Monday 5 March until Sunday 11 March, and is run by New Family Social, the network for LGBT adoptive and foster families. The theme of the campaign this year is '10 Good Reasons', which will be released by New Family Social on each day of the campaign.

County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: "We are fortunate in Lancashire to have a number of same-sex couples who are providing stable and loving homes for children and young people who cannot live with their own families.

"We always need more foster carers and adoptive parents from all walks of life, and I want to remind people that we welcome applications from people of all ages, single, married, cohabiting, in same-sex relationships, with or without their own children, working or not.

"What the children and young people need most of all is to be with people who have a caring nature, who enjoy being with children and have a determination to see it through. Our children need people to stand by them.

"I'm delighted that we are supporting this year's LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week. LGBT people make great parents and there are so many children waiting for a loving home, either temporary or permanent. Perhaps you could be a parent to a child who is waiting.

"To be considered as foster carers or adoptive parents, people need to be over 21, and living in or close to Lancashire."

A package of support is available 24/7 to help foster carers in their role, including local support groups, their own social worker, a dedicated helpline and flexible training.

Out of hours support for foster carers is available via a dedicated helpline staffed by experienced social workers. Training is flexible including during school hours, evenings and weekends and online training, and can be tailored to the needs of any child.

Recognising that adoptive families require support at different times and even when the adoption has taken place, there is also a range of support services and advice available.

To find out more about fostering or adoption, please get in touch on 0300 123 6723.

Alternatively, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/adoption or www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering

More information about the week can be found at: www.lgbtadoptfosterweek.org.uk, or search for #proudtoadopt and #proudtofoster on social media.

Owing to the growing concern over the lack of children's rights in these situations great care should be exercised. While adoption is preferable to council care, there should be adequate provision given to ensure that these adopted children receive the necessary psychological balance and support in their lives.

Oh for God's sake will you never let up?