Publication of 'The adoption of looked after children in Northern Ireland 2007/08'
Friday, 20 March 2009The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published a statistical bulletin summarising information on children adopted from care in Northern Ireland during 2007/08.
The bulletin presents results from the AD1 survey of children adopted from care in Northern Ireland during 2007/08.
This survey was completed by Health and Social Care Trusts during 2007/08, providing detailed information on children adopted from care and key dates in the adoption process.
The main findings from the latest survey indicate a decrease of seven months in the average duration from last entry into care to final adoption, from four years one month in 2006, to three years six months in 2008, and an increase of eight in the number of children adopted from care, from 56 in 2006, to 64 in 2008.
To facilitate trend analysis, data is presented for the five year period from 2004 to 2008.
Key Facts and Figures:
- Sixty-four children were adopted from care during the year ending 31 March 2008, eight more than the number adopted in 2006 (56).
- Between 2006 and 2008, the percentage of looked after children adopted from care increased slightly from 2.2% to 2.7%..
- In 2007/08, the average age of children adopted from care was four years 11 months.
- From last entry into care, the average length of time for a child to be adopted in 2008, was three years six months, seven months less than the time taken in 2006 (four years and one month).
- For children adopted in 2008, the average duration from the Trust LAC best interest proposal to adoption was two years five months, compared with two years eight months in 2006.
- In 2008, 39 (61%) children were adopted by foster carers, 13 more than the number in 2006 (26).
- Of the 39 children adopted by foster carers in 2008, 14 (36%) were placed for adoption within 12 months of the Trust best interest decision, and 25 (64%) were placed 12 months or longer after the best interest decision.
- The average age of children at adoption by foster carers was six years, compared with three years three months for other adopted children.
- The average length of time from last entry into care to adoption for foster carer adoptions was four years one month, one year six months longer than for other adopted children (two years seven months).
Notes to Editors:
1. All publications are available online
2. About the data:
- The source of the data contained in this release is the Departmental AD1 statistical return, collected from HSC Trusts on an annual basis.
- Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 11th March 2009.
3. This statistical first release bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS.
Further information is available from:
Community Information Branch Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Room 11, Annexe 2, Castle Buildings, Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP Tel: (028) 90 522493 Fax: (028) 90 523288E-mail: cib@dhsspsni.gov.uk
4. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
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