Rise in number of adopted children

The number of children adopted in England has reached its highest level in the last two decades, figures show.

Almost 4,000 children in care were adopted between April 2012 and March 2013 - the highest figure since comparable records began in 1992, the Department for Education said.

The figure also represents a 15% increase on the previous year.

In 2011, Prime Minister 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 2011/12 and 90 in 2012/13.

The Government also announced plans to speed up the adoption process by letting youngsters move in with their possible future permanent families before lengthy legal procedures are finalised.

It also issued new guidance to local authorities making it clear adoption should be considered as an option for more children.

Children and families Minister Edward Timpson said: "It is hugely encouraging that the number of children adopted from care has risen to the highest level yet - but too many children are still waiting too long for stable, 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 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."