ROBBIE is a cheerful and energetic little boy who is looking for a new home in Worcestershire.

The five-year-old is severely deaf with British sign language as his first language.

According to Derby social services, which is caring for Robbie, he does have some residual hearing but is only just beginning to learn that sounds have meaning.

He needs a one or two parent deaf and/or hearing adoptive family with whom he can have fluent communication from the start of their relationship with sign language.

He also needs regular contact with the deaf community.

If you would like to find out more about adoption, and would consider giving Robbie a home, contact Derby City Council's adoption team on 01332 718000.

COULD you give a child a permanent home? Here is the adoption process step-by-step.

1. Express an interest by calling 0800 028 2158

2. The information meeting - would-be adopters are invited to meet social workers and adoptive parents to find out more about adoption.

3. The home visit - a social worker will find out what you hope to gain out of adoption and what you feel you can offer a child.

4. Making an application if you decide to go ahead, you will need to fill in an application form. You will also have to give your authority for social services to run a police and local authority check on you.

5. Preparation, assessment and training - if your application is accepted, you will begin a longer period of preparation, assessment and training.

6. The home study report - you and a social worker will work together to produce a report which involves an assessment of you as an adoptive parent.

7. The adoption panel - the home study report goes before an adoption panel which will decide whether or not you are approved to adopt a child or children.

8. Then they will start matching you to a child.

9. Placement - once a child has been identified, you will be given the full information about their background, and if you want to proceed, you'll meet the child/children.

10. The adoption order - when your adoptive child has settled in your family, you can apply to the court for an adoption order and once it's granted, all rights and responsibilities originally held by the birth parents transfer to you.