Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown a 9.8% increase in the number of adoptions that took place in England and Wales during 2012 compared to 2011. This takes the total number of adoptions in 2012 to 5,206.
The ONS has also revealed that the number of adoptions in Scotland has remained relatively constant, with 496 adoptions in 2011 and 494 in 2012 (figures for 2012 are preliminary).
Commenting on the figures, Hugh Thornbery, Chief Executive of Adoption UK, said:
“It is encouraging that the number of adoption orders increased in 2012. Adoption offers positive outcomes for children from the care system, providing them with a permanent family that many of them might not have if they remained in the care system.
“We need to remain committed to recruiting more adoptive parents but it is important to remember that any focus on recruiting adopters must go hand-in-hand with good support packages, both to encourage new adopters and ensure the long-term success of adoptive placements.
“Furthermore, we must also be mindful that the ONS figures on adoption include not just children adopted from the care system but also adoptions by relatives and step-parents, whereas Government statistics do not.
“With the number of adoptions rising it is increasingly important that the proposals to improve the adoption system in England and Wales are implemented.”
Contact our Family Lawyers in Glasgow
If you would like to find out more about our specialist family law services, including help with child custody disputes, call us today on 0141 811 0228 or fill out our online enquiry form.
