A CHEEKY toddler needs a forever home as he can't live with his birth parents, an adoption agency has said.

Currently being looked after by foster carers, Hampshire-based agency Adopt South said Joe desperately needs to become part of a loving and supportive family for the rest of his life.

The family currently looking after Joe, speak fondly about him, describing the little one as "an affectionate and loving little boy, who would give so much pleasure to a couple or single person who can give Joe the time, patience and support he needs".

Rachel Reynolds, head of Adopt South, said: “Children like Joe need adoptive parents who will go above and beyond for them, who are willing and able to love and be committed parents to them, regardless of the challenges that may arise in their child’s life, with the care and support they require.

"We know from experience that adopting brings parents profound joy and more love than they could previously have imagined, as well as a strong sense of purpose and desire to protect their child. Whoever becomes Joe’s new mummy or daddy will be given as much support from Adopt South as they need for as long as they need it, even after the adoption process has been completed.”

Whether Joe will be an only child or part of a busy, lively and active family, like all children, he needs to be able to depend on his parent(s) to nurture and love him, so that he continues to be happy and thrive as he gets older.

Adopt South is looking for potential parents who have a connection with or have cared for a child with additional needs.

Adopt South, the regional adoption agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton.

The agency matched 118 children in 2020 with their forever families, ranging from new-borns, older children and sibling groups to children with additional needs and disabilities.

Currently there are five children with additional needs who are waiting for their forever home.

If you would like to know more about Joe, or about adoption, please call Adopt South on 0300 3000 011.