East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s adoption service has received a Government grant of over £750,000 to help encourage more people to adopt.
The money, which came from the Government’s Adoption Reform Grant, will go towards the creation of a special project team aimed at raising the profile of adoption.
Seven new social worker posts will be created, on fixed term contracts, and they will help recruit more adopters and provide training for those people who are going through the process of becoming adopters.
Part of the money will also be spent on early intervention and providing help and support for those who are vulnerable to try and keep families together.
The Adoption Reform Grant is a £150 million pot of cash available to all local authorities to support and develop new approaches to adoption and to increase the support available for adopters and their children.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has 17 children waiting for adoption and it takes on average 653 days for a child coming into care to be placed with an adoptive family.
Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and education at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Adoption gives these vulnerable children the best opportunity of a happy and successful childhood and later life.
“That is only possible if we can find loving and caring homes for them and this grant will enable us to identity and support more families to take on this hugely rewarding commitment.”
Steve Comb, corporate parenting service manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Children in care are among the most vulnerable in society.
“We are determined that our reforms in the East Riding will ensure that no child in need of adoption has to wait longer than necessary to be placed with a loving family.”
