Adoption UK has commented on the recent release by the Department of Education of statistics relating to children in care.

The figures show that at 31st March 2012 there were 67,050 looked after children. Around 75% of these children were cared for in a foster placement. The figures also show that the number of children adopted during the year ending 31st March 2012 increased by 12% over the previous year.

Erika Pennington, Adoption UK, said: “It is encouraging that the number of adoptions has increased by 12% in 2012. Adoption offers positive outcomes for children from the care system, providing them with a permanent family that many of them might not have if they remained in the care system”.

"It is encouraging to see that more children are being adopted and at a younger age which we can assume is a result of earlier intervention.”

“We need to remain committed to recruiting more adoptive parents but it is important to remember that any focus on recruiting adopters must go hand-in-hand with good support packages, both to encourage new adopters and ensure the long-term success of adoptive placements.”