New research shows 45% rise in number of children placed with adoptive families

24 April 2013

 

First4Adoption has welcomed encouraging new research released today by  the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) that shows an increase of 45% over the past year in the number of children being placed with adoptive families.

The research is based on figures submitted by local authorities during March 2013, covering adoption rates over the previous 12 months. Figures for the previous year (2011/12) had shown an increase of 10%.

Andrew Webb, President of the ADCS, said: “This research shows the real progress that has been made in increasing the number of children placed with adoptive families.

“Local authorities are working hard alongside voluntary adoption agencies to speed up the adoption process and to increase the number of suitable adopters available to meet the needs of children waiting for adoption. We must work hard to not only increase absolute numbers of adopters but also to also increase the diversity of those coming forward.”

Gemma Gordon-Johnson, Head of Service at First4Adoption, said: “This significant and encouraging rise in the number of children being placed with adoptive families is to be welcomed as good news for children and adopters. However, there are more than 4,000 children waiting to be adopted in England, so we know that many more adopters are still needed to come forward.”

Whether you are just starting to consider adopting or would like to start the adoption process, call our adoption information line on 0300 222 0022 to find out more.

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