THE number of children adopted in Worcestershire has fallen, despite figures elsewhere in the region going up.

According to figures released this week records were broken in the West Midlands, with a total of 590 children adopted in the year to date – up from 510 in the previous year.

However, in Worcestershire the number of ‘looked after children adopted’ dropped from 45 in 2013 to 40 in 2014.

This figure shows the number of children who are completely set up in a new home.

Councillor Liz Eyre said Worcestershire is speeding up the amount of time it takes for children entering care to be placed with an adoptive family.

Cllr Eyre, cabinet member for children and families, said: “The county council is pleased with its adoption performance in 2013/14.

“What is not clear from the latest figures is that more children were placed more quickly with adoptive families in 2013/14.

“During this period, we were able to place 59 children within adoptive households and the average time taken between these children entering care and being placed with their adoptive family decreased from 848 days in 2012/13 to 577 days in 2013/14.

“We have also been more successful in finding potential adopters with 34 households being approved in 2013/14 compared to 23 the year before. “ The Department for Education claimed the overall figures were “undeniable proof that the Government’s reforms are resulting in a worldclass adoption system”.

Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan said: “Today’s figures show a significant and sustained rise in the number of adoptions.

“This means more of our most vulnerable of children in the West Midlands finding the loving and permanent homes they so desperately need.

Children are also spending less time in care waiting to be adopted, with the average length of time between a child coming into care and being adopted down by two months.