It is estimated that every year more than 200 children across Wales need adoptive families and children's charity Barnardo's Cymru is appealing to prospective adoptive parents from Pembrokeshire to come forward now.
The recruitment drive coincides with National Adoption Week (November 10-16) when adoption charities across the Country come together to raise awareness of the need for more adoptive parents.
Barnardo's Cymru runs a specialist adoption agency which finds adoptive parents for 'hard to place children, for example: older children with behavioural problems caused by their troubled backgrounds; groups of brothers and sisters who need to stay together; disabled children including some with learning difficulties; children from black and minority ethnic groups.
Barnardo's Cymru manager Anne Marie Browning says: "Often, the children placed by Barnardo's Cymru have had difficult times in early childhood. They might have been living at home with an alcoholic or drug addicted parent; they might have been in and out of care and had many foster placements.
"We are very clear with prospective adopters that they will need to be prepared for some challenging and testing times. They need to really believe in the children and stick with them to bring out the best in them. They must be able to stay calm and patient, and they must be able to give a lot without expecting anything back - at least in the initial stages.
"But for the right person adopting an emotionally vulnerable child can be hugely rewarding. Seeing that child learn to trust again; seeing them settle at home and in school, and watching them grow and thrive makes all the hard-work and effort worthwhile."
Ann Marie says: "Adopting a child with special needs is not for everyone, but we are confident that there are many people out there who would make wonderful parents. You don't need to have any special qualifications but you do need a strong belief in children. We welcome inquires from couples or single people - male or female. We have had a number of men successfully adopt through Barnardo's Cyrmu."
While many people look for information about adopting, many drop out when they realise how challenging it can be, but those who have stayed the course and adopted have given children a chance of a new and better life.
The adoption process can take some time and it is usual to take 12 to 18 months from the first inquiry, through to training and assessment, and placing a child for adoption.
Anne Marie says: "Our key message is that if you think you are interested in adopting and are prepared for the challenges, please pick up the phone now and talk to us. There are children in Wales who need you to come forward."