Adopt South West have just published their Annual Report for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. This highlights there are still challenges finding families for children in need of a home, with fewer prospective adopters applying and more children needing placements.
Despite these challenges, we found families for 132 children last year.
- 90% of children were placed with Adopt South West approved adopters.
- 34 children placed were aged 4 years and over, with the oldest child placed aged 10.
- 14 children were part of sibling groups, including two sets of twins.
- Our Early Permanence (Foster to Adopt) placements accounted for 23.8% of the adoptions: well above the national average of 13.4%.
- 185 children had plans for adoption agreed – a 6% decrease from the previous year.
In the year to 31 March 2025, we saw a significant rise in adoption support referrals. This reflects both the addition of Cornwall to the regional adoption agency, and growing needs across the region we cover.
We acknowledge the dedication and collaborative working of our staff and partners in ensuring timely, stable, and well-supported placements for children across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay.
To support children, adoptive families, birth families and adopted adults, we have also been working on service improvements. We place a strong emphasis on listening to voices – including children, young people, adopters, adopted adults, and birth parents – leading to meaningful service changes. Last year these changes included:
- Strengthened practice, particularly through the successful launch of family and friends network meetings, which enhance support for adoptive families.
- Beginning a review of the Adoption Support service, with positive engagement from staff and renewed energy from recent management changes.
- Developing our Maintaining Relationships service, focusing on lifelong connections and staying in touch.
Amanda White, Head of Service, said:
We are proud of the progress made this year, especially in placing children with well-prepared families and championing early permanence. Our commitment to child-centred practice remains at the heart of everything we do.
“We need people who can offer a loving and safe home to the children who are waiting. I’d urge anyone who might be considering adoption to see if the time is right for them by using the ‘ready to adopt?’ tool on our website.”
Visit www.adoptsouthwest.org.uk to learn more.