Adoption

Adopted Children

An adopted child loses all legal ties with their birth parents and becomes a full member of the new family usually taking the family's name.
In 2007, 3300 children in care were adopted with the average age being 4 years and 2 month.
The whole adoption process from initial application to being matched with a child frequently takes more than 18 months.
The Catholic Children's Society helps find and prepare people to adopt.
In 2007 39 children looked after in public care were placed with adopters through the work of the Catholic Children's Society.

The vast majority of children are placed in care because of problems their parents have. Often their parents are unable to care for them or have been neglecting them.
Many young people go back to live with their families once things have been sorted out.
In 2007 there were 60,000 children in the care of local authorities. 20% were aged under 5.
71% were living with foster carers.