SOCIAL workers from across the country attended a conference in the region yesterday and heard how Gateshead Council is one of only three UK authorities to earn Beacon status for its adoption services.

Staff were awarded the status by the Government in recognition of their success in doubling the number of looked after children to be adopted in the borough.

Delegates at the Gateshead event also learned about the support available in the town after the adoption process, which has helped attract adoptive families.

Working with the national charity After Adoption, it involves adoptive families, children, birth parents and grandparents in the process and where possible, uses advisers who have first-hand experience of adoption.

It also uses a comprehensive computer database enabling potential parents and children to be matched quickly.