Record numbers of child adoptions in England

New figures show that almost 4,000 children in care were adopted in 2012 - an increase of 15% and the highest ever since records began.

The annual 'looked-after children' statistics show that 3,980 children were adopted across England between April 2012 and March 2013, up from 3,470 the previous year. This is higher than in any year since 1992, when comparable records began.

In Plymouth, the figure rose from 30 the previous year, to 35 adoptions in 2012-13, though this is down on the recent years' peak of 45 in 2010-11.

The figure for the south west overall (covering the various local authorities responsible for care in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol and the Isles of Scilly), which has been rising steadily over recent years, rose significantly from 280 in 2011-12 to 320 in 2012-13.

Edward Timpson, Children and Families Minister, said:

"It is hugely encouraging that the number of children adopted from care has risen to the highest level yet - but too many children are still waiting too long for stable, loving homes.

"More needs to be done to recruit adoptive parents. That’s why we have made the £150 million Adoption Reform Grant available for local authorities to spend on recruitment reform, and this summer I gave voluntary adoption agencies a further £16 million to expand and recruit more adoptive parents. I hope to see this funding deliver results.

"The government is radically reforming adoption so that children who are waiting to be adopted are provided with stable and loving homes much more swiftly, giving them the opportunity to settle and bond with their adoptive families."

In February 2011, the government issued new guidance for local authorities making clear adoption should be considered as an option for more children. Comprehensive legal reforms are currently progressing through Parliament. The government has also launched First4Adoption online service and information line which provides all the information and advice prospective adopters need in one place and are speeding up the approval process. This summer the government also announced a new Adoption Support Fund to help adopters to access therapeutic support for their children.

A government spokesperson said: "Adoption is not the right approach for every child. We are improving the skills of social workers so they are able to judge what is best for each child and taking forward comprehensive reforms to fostering services and children’s residential care. Our reforms will ensure children are given the stability they deserve and the care that best meets their needs."

The statistics show:

Plymouth

• 370 children were looked after by the local authority in the year April 2012 to March 2013 (a fall of 15 from the previous year) (excludes children looked after on a series of short term placements).
• 525 children were looked after by the local authority at some point in 2012-2013 (a fall of 10 from 2011-12).
• 30 children were looked after exclusively on a series of short term placements in 2012-13 (no change from 2011-12).
• 140 children started to be looked after in 2012-13 (a fall of 20 from 2011-12). 50 of these were taken into care (down from 65 in 2011-12).
• 155 children ceased to be looked after in 2012-13 (a fall of 5 from 2011-12). 55 of these were between 16 and 18 years of age.
• 35 children were adopted in 2012-13 (a rise of 5 from 2011-12).

Figures rounded up to the nearest 5.

England

• 50,900 children in England are in stable foster care placements, an increase of 2% since last year - and 16% since 2009
• a 4% increase - from 5,840 to 6,090 this year - in the number of care leavers being provided suitable accommodation - with a 4% increase in the number of young people staying with their foster families
• a fall in the percentage of care leavers not in education, employment or training (NEET) to 34%, or 2,360 - reversing the trend
• a significant improvement in local authorities recording information on children missing from care so, for the first time, we can accurately identify where improvements are needed.

Figures rounded up to the nearest 10.