Record number of children adopted from care

The Government has revealed that 110 vulnerable children have left Southamp-ton, Portsmouth and Hampshire council care for a safe family environment.

They are part of a record 690 children in the south-east adopted from care in the last year – up from 540 in 2013.

In Southampton 30 children were adopted – the same as last year – while Hampshire County Council moved 55 children to new homes, five fewer than last year.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan praised the regional rise and said that children were being placed with families more quickly because the UK adoption system is world class.

She said: “Today’s figures show a significant and sustained rise in the number of adoptions. This means more of our most vulnerable of children in the south-east finding the loving and permanent homes they so desperately need.

“We also promised to remove delay and frustration from the process for both children and adopters. Today’s figures show that we are delivering on that promise. The system is working more quickly, as well as providing more support to families after an adoption has taken place.”

The average wait time between a child entering care and being placed with a new family has also dropped by two months.

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson, who has two adopted brothers, said: “It’s great to see that the number of children adopted from care in the south-east has risen. However we refuse to be complacent and we know there is more to be done.

“I’m all too aware that welcoming a vulnerable child into your home is a rewarding but challenging experience. That’s why we’re putting in more support than ever to ensure that families get a fighting chance, including better support services focussed on the needs of the family.”

Government reforms in the past 12 months have included rules requiring councils to consider fostering for adoption places and ensuring that all children adopted from care are eligible for extra funding at school.