Ministers launch three new voluntary adoption agencies in £16m adoption drive

Ministers have announced the launch of three new adoption agencies, which have all pledged to recruit 100 adopters in their first three years.

The voluntary agencies have been created as part of the government’s £16m drive to boost adoption numbers.

Each of the agencies, based in a different region of the country, has been awarded a start-up grant of around £500,000.

Children’s minister Edward Timpson said: “It’s great to see three new agencies opening their doors today as a direct result of the government’s investment, finding and helping up to 300 potential adopters across the country.

“With more than 6,000 children still waiting for a loving home, it’s vital we continue to do all that we can to recruit new parents and give voluntary adoption agencies a key role in boosting the number of adopters further.”

The £16m adoption fund is available until 2016 and includes £13m over the next two years in expansion grants for new and existing voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs).

Its aim is to help agencies recruit and approve a minimum of 2,000 adopters a year by 2016.

The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies has been appointed to oversee the £13m expansion fund, distributing grants to successful agencies, while Methods Consultancy will lead on providing tailored business support to agencies.