27.09.13
Highest ever rise in adoptions
This year saw an increase of 15% in adoptions in England, latest statistics show.
Between April 2012 and March 2013 there were 3,980 adoptions, up from 3,470 the previous year. This rise is higher than for any year since 1992, when comparable records began.
This March there were 68,110 children in care in England; a 2% rise from last year. 75% of these children were being fostered.
The Government is trying to increase adoption rates, but local councils warn that bureaucracy and delays in the legal system are still hampering this.
Children's minister Edward Timpson said: “It is hugely encouraging that the number of children adopted from care has risen to the highest level yet – but too many children are still waiting too long for stable, loving homes. More needs to be done to recruit adoptive parents.”
David Simmonds, from the Local Government Association, said: “It is heartening to see this record increase in the number of children being placed in loving homes. Councils have been working hard to recruit more adoptive mums and dads and are doing everything in their power to ensure that vulnerable children get the best start in life.
“We know that there is still much more to be done, and it will be vital that government works with local authorities and not against us.”
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