Local authorities told to focus on adoption for children in care

Government says age, income, sexuality and marital status should not exclude potential adopters

The government has written to directors of children’s services across England urging them to prioritise adoption for children in the care system and to ensure that prospective adopters are not turned away when they are actually eligible.

Ministers say they want a renewed focus on adoption from all local authorities and have called on councils to review their practices following a drop in the number of assessments recommending adoption as the best option for a vulnerable child.