THE case histories described here are the first three children for whom Families That Last are urgently seeking parents in the Bolton area. Local people who would like to find out more about being prospective adopters should contact the project on 0161-819-3107/8/9. CASE HISTORY ONE: BARRY BARRY is a lovable six year-old boy with a great sense of humour and a lovely laugh. He wants to say "Hello, my name is Barry I want a new Mummy and Daddy. I want somebody to love me forever and keep me safe."

Families That Last are looking for an adoptive family who will help Barry keep in touch with his three brothers and two sisters, and his current short term foster carers, who are all an important part of his life.

Barry's early years wre very mixed up, and although this sometimes makes him mixed up and sad, he is getting used to being more settled. His foster carers love Barry to bits. They describe him as affectionate and inquisitive, good to be with, and active and outgoing. He is very popular in school with lots of friends and his teacher says he is behaving well and achieving.

As a result of his background, his needs are complex, and Barry may need a family who have experience of caring for children. They may have much older children, but possibly Barry should be the only child. He likes music, dancing, swimming and animals and would love to have a pet of his own. CASE HISTORY TWO: JAMES JAMES is a great nine year-old boy who is fun to be with and gets on well with adults.

In the words of his foster carer "James only needs the right family to give him the chance to grow into a fine young man."

James says the "right family" will "let me have a pet mouse, play Pokemon and watch cartoons!"

James is healthy and doing well at school. Like many children in care, he thought that things went wrong because he was naughty -- they didn't. He needs a family who can help him understand his difficult past, broaden his interests, build his self-confidence and help him keep in touch with his mother, brothers and sisters.

Above all, James needs a family where he will be really special. He doesn't think we'll find you!

Families At Last want people to give them a call to find out more "then maybe together we'll be able to tell him that we have!" CASE HISTORY THREE: TON IA TONIA is lively, enthuaistic and loves life. She enjoys being the centre of attention and is talented at singing and dancing.

Tonia attends mainstream school, where she tries very hard. She particularly enjoys the company of other little girls in her class and is very popular.

Because Tonia's early life was difficult, she is sometimes in a muddle and can be very challenging to care for.

We need strong, committed, enthuastic and experienced parent(s) for Tonia. She needs to keep in contact with her brother and sister forever and would want her new parent(s) to encourage this.