Latest figures show children in the East of England awaiting adoption outnumber adopters by 2 to 1
Tuesday, 15 October 2019
The latest analysis published by the government shows that the East of England has nearly twice as many children awaiting adoptive families as there are adopters.
The figures reveal the region currently has 420 children waiting to be adopted and 155 families approved to adopt.
Councillor Sue Clark, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, 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. Whatever your personal or professional circumstances are, if you think you have the stability and energy to give a vulnerable child a loving home, please get in touch.
The latest statistics for the East of England from the Adoption & Special Guardianship Leadership Board (ASGLB) also reveals that of the children awaiting adoption:
- 29% are aged over five years
- 3% have a disability
- 16% are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds
- 61% are in sibling groups
Councillor Clark added:
Children who come to adoption do so because their birth families are unable to care for them and keep them safe. Many of them have experienced neglect, trauma and adverse experiences. All of these children need a loving, stable home and many need families where they can live with their brother or sister. They need support and love to help them overcome their experiences, make sense of who they are and grow up feeling safe and secure.
Being an adoptive parent can be challenging but it also brings great rewards. I would urge anyone who is thinking about adoption to get in touch.
For more information, please contact Adoption Connects:
Email: enquiries@adoptionconnects.co.uk
Telephone: 0300 300 8090