THERE are more than twice as many children waiting for families as there are adopters, new figures show.
The statistics reveal there are 1,135 children waiting to be adopted but just 407 families approved to adopt.
The shortfall is revealed at the start of National Adoption Week, which aims to inspire more people to adopt.
Of those waiting for adoption, almost a third (29 per cent) are black and minority ethnic children, 57 per cent are boys and 55 per cent are in sibling groups of two or more.
Dr Sue Armstrong Brown, Adoption UK’s chief executive, said: “Children who are older, part of a sibling group, or have special needs are always harder to match – so there is an urgent need for families who can meet their needs.”
Adoption UK says adoptive parents can be single or unmarried; gay, bisexual or transsexual; disabled, living on benefits; and while no upper age limit exists you do have to be aged 21 or older.
Adoption UK member Dr Peter McParlin was 59 when he and his husband, then aged 55, decided to adopt.
Dr McParlin said: “I was 60 when our six-year-old son came into our lives. He’s been with us for two years.
“Yes, it’s been challenging, but challenges can also keep you young.
“It’s also been hugely enjoyable, but it would be crass to say it’s easy-peasy. Our son has ADHD and has also had the awful experience of his first adoption disrupting.
“Would I recommend to folk in their late forties and older to embrace the challenge of adoption? I most certainly would, and so would my partner.”
People who want to take the first step to adoption can start by contacting Adoption UK.
