14/10/2019 - Permalink

Children in West Midlands awaiting adoption outnumber adopters by nearly 3 to 1

Related topics: Children's services / Partner organisations

The latest analysis published by the Government shows that the West Midlands has three times as many children awaiting adoptive families as there are adopters. The figures, based on the latest data, reveal the region currently has 610 children waiting to be adopted, and 210 families approved to adopt.

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said:-

“This report highlights the ongoing and urgent need to find adoptive families for children who desperately need them. Adoption transforms the lives of those it touches, and this National Adoption Week we’re asking anyone who has ever thought about adoption to find out more. Whether you’re married, single, heterosexual or gay, if you think you might be able to give a vulnerable child a loving home, please get in touch.”

The latest statistics from the Adoption & Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB)** also reveal that of the children awaiting adoption:

  • 27% are aged over 5 years
  • 5% have a disability
  • 30% are from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds
  • 51% are in sibling groups

Ed Potter added:-

“Children who come to adoption do so because their birth families are unable to care for them. Many of them have experienced neglect and trauma. All of these children need a loving, stable home. They need support and love to help them overcome their troubled backgrounds, make sense of who they are and grow up to be safe and secure. Being an adoptive parent can be challenging but it also brings great rewards.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please look at our website www.roominyourheartforadoption.co.uk today.”

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Further information

**The Adoption & Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) was established in 2014 to provide leadership to the adoption system and drive improvements in performance https://coram-i.org.uk/asglb/

National Adoption Week runs from today (Monday 14 October) to Sunday 20 October 2019:  https://www.first4adoption.org.uk/nationaladoptionweek/