Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kelly Tolhurst and Tim Loughton

Monday 24th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con)]

I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Why are adoption figures continuing to fall?

[Kelly Tolhurst]

This past year adoptions have gone up, but it is on a lower trajectory. One potential reason for that is that in 2013 a court ruling confirmed that adoption orders should be made only when there is no alternative provision. That has led to an increase in special guardianships. We will obviously keep the issue under review. The time that it is taking for children to be adopted has reduced, and we want to ensure that no child remains in care any longer than they need to be, and that we find supportive parents for them.