Adoption UK has welcomed the news that eighty eight children were adopted from care in Northern Ireland during the year ending 31st March 2013 - twenty eight more than in 2012 - according to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Adoption UK’s Development Manager for Northern Ireland, Stephen McVey said:

“It is encouraging that the number of adoptions is on the rise. Whilst the number of children entering the care system has also risen it is pleasing that adoption has provided a permanent family for many who may not have found a permanent home if they remained in care.

“Whilst the significant increase of 46% in adoption levels is welcome news, Adoption UK remains concerned about the length of time looked after children awaiting adoption wait to be matched with prospective adopters.

"We are also concerned that the average age of a child at the point of adoption remains relatively high. With the majority of children adopted from the care system coming from a background of neglect and abuse this is likely to increase the demand for support.”

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