The number of children adopted in England has reached its highest level in the last two decades.
Almost 4,000 youngsters in care were adopted between April 2012 and last March — the highest figure since comparable records began in 1992, said the Department for Education.
The numbers also represent a 15 per cent increase on the previous year.
In 2011 David Cameron urged potential adopters and foster parents to come forward as it was announced that just 60 babies were adopted in 2010/11. Since then the figure has marginally increased to 80 in the following year and to 90 in 2012/13.
The Government also announced plans to speed up the adoption process by allowing youngsters to move in with their possible future permanent families before lengthy legal procedures are finalised.
In addition it issued new guidance to local authorities making it clear that adoption should be considered as an option for more children.
The children and families minister Edward Timpson said: “It is hugely encouraging that the number of youngsters adopted from care has risen to the highest level yet — but too many are still waiting too long for stable and loving homes.
“More needs to be done to recruit adoptive parents. That’s why we have made the £150 million Adoption Reform Grant available for local authorities to spend on recruitment reform.
“And in addition this summer I gave voluntary adoption agencies a further £16 million to expand and recruit more adoptive parents. I hope to see this funding deliver results.”
