Research showing variation in adoption rates across the country

Stuart Gallimore, ADCS President, said:

“There is no single reason why rates of children coming into care and being adopted vary across the country. Austerity has visibly impacted on our services and our communities. Funding has been significantly reduced at a time when more and more families are in need of help and support meaning this is only available once their problems have reached crisis point. Children living in the most deprived areas in England are 10 times more likely to be on a child protection plan or in care than their wealthier counterparts. That is not to say poverty breeds neglect, rather the stress and strain that deprivation places on adults affects their children and their parenting ability. Other factors at play include differences in courts, society’s tolerance for risk driving risk averse practice and the varying needs and circumstances of a child e.g. for some children an alternative family member might be able to care for them.

“Local authorities are committed to keeping children with the highest level of need safe, including by seeking court interventions where necessary. This is not a numbers game, behind these statistics are vulnerable children and young people and their welfare remains paramount in our work. Ultimately, the court will not agree to the removal of a child into care or approve an adoption unless this is the right decision for the child.”

ENDS

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