Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council’s Children’s Services leaders have welcomed national data showing that the number of adoptions in England and Wales increased by almost ten per cent last year compared to 2011.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that there were 5,206 adoptions in 2012 compared to 4,740 in 2011.
The number of children adopted in York has also increased in the same period, with 13 adoptions in 2011/12 and 14 in 2012/13. A total of 20 children are preparing to be placed for adoption during 2013/14, once arrangements with their new families and the courts have been finalised.
Councillor Janet Looker, Cabinet member for Education, Children and Young People, City of York Council, said: “Adoption can give vulnerable children and young people and ‘new start’ in their lives. We work with partners across the city and wider region to ensure that where practicable, we are able to secure adoption for children within our care.”
Eoin Rush Assistant Director, Children’s Specialist Services, City of York Council, said: “We believe that adoption provides a positive option for children who cannot be cared for by their birth families. Ensuring that there are sufficient adoptive carers remains a challenge both locally and nationally.
“There is extensive collaboration between York, our neighbouring local authorities and the voluntary adoption agencies to ensure that the right placements are available for all children requiring adoption.
“The increased capacity of voluntary adoption agencies will support this work to increase the number of approved adoption families by 50 per cent in 2013-14.”
The figures from the ONS are made up of adoptions that took place following court orders in England and Wales in 2012 and apply to adoptions by relatives and step-parents as well as adoptions from care.
For information about how to adopt in York contact the council’s Family Placements Team on 01904 555333 or email the adoption and fostering team.
This content has not been created by YorkMix but by one of our trusted news sources. YorkMix is not responsible for the accuracy of the text.