Fall in adoption linked to cost of living concerns

Adoption England says there has been a drop in adoption registrations compared to last year

A number of "complicated reasons" are behind declining adoption numbers in the South East, according to an adoption organisation.

According to the latest figures, there has been a 12% drop in adoption registrations compared to last year across England.

In the South East there are more children waiting than adoptive families available, with 300 children and 250 adopters.

Sarah Johal MBE, the national adoption strategic lead for Adoption England, said there was a "lot of concern about the cost of living crisis".

She told BBC South East: "People are a bit uncertain about their jobs, about how they can afford things.

"I also think people are generally waiting later now to have children."

The numbers, covering 1 April to 30 June, are based on data returned by every English local authority, regional adoption agency, and voluntary adoption agency.

Kent couple Tracy and Giulio, who adopted their son T in 2020, are urging others to take the same step.

Tracy said: "You'll never feel completely ready to be a parent – but if your heart is open to it, don't hold back."

The couple said they relished living in a home full of life and bursting with the energy of a loved toddler.

"There's no perfect setup, just love, patience and resilience. Our home may not be the biggest, but it's full of warmth, joy, and enough love to go around - and that's what truly matters," Tracy said.

Ms Johal said the aim of the ongoing campaign for National Adoption Week was to show that "really what children need is a place to call home".

She said: "People often think you have to have a perfect family when you want to adopt, but it's not actually about that."