‘Worrying decline’ in approved adoptive families as more children wait for permanent homes

A leading adoption charity has warned of a “worrying decline” in the number of families being approved to adopt, as new figures reveal growing pressures on the adoption system in England.

Latest data covering April to December 2025 show that 3,010 children in England were waiting to be matched with an adoptive family. Around half had been waiting for 18 months or longer since entering care. During the same period, there were just 1,350 approved adoptive families waiting to be matched with a child.

The warning comes as the UK marks 100 years since the first adoption legislation. Adoption charities say the falling number of approved adopters risks extending waiting times for children who need stable, permanent homes, particularly older children, sibling groups and those with additional needs.

Sector leaders say recruitment has become increasingly challenging in recent years, with concerns about the long-term support available to adoptive families also affecting people’s willingness to come forward. Earlier reports have highlighted growing demand for post-adoption support services and increasing pressures on regional adoption agencies.

The Department for Education said it has consulted on reforms to adoption support and will set out plans to strengthen services. Ministers have also confirmed continued funding for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund through 2027–28 while wider reforms are considered.

Children’s charities are encouraging anyone who has considered adoption to explore the process, stressing that adopters come from a wide range of backgrounds and that many children waiting for families are older, part of sibling groups or have experienced early trauma.

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