Adopting new ways of helping children

OLDHAM has joined forces with five other councils to cut delays in adoption procedures.

The borough is one of 20 councils across the region to have formed four of the country’s first Regional Adoption Agencies.

Councils placing children for adoption tend to concentrate on finding local parents first, rather than looking further afield for what might be a better match. This can lead to children waiting much longer than necessary even when parents are available.

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson grew up with two adopted brothers. He said: “Where adoption is proven to be in the best interest of the child, we have a duty to make sure they’re matched quickly with the parents right for them, regardless of where they live.

“By coming together and joining forces, councils and adoption agencies across the region will be able to reach across artificial boundaries and access an ever growing pool of approved adopters, creating families quickly and successfully.”