Adoption hotspots map branded 'crude'

The map, which is colour-coded to highlight councils that have an adoption waiting list of 48 children or more, has been published as part of government efforts to reduce delays in the adoption process and encourage potential adopters to come forward.

It includes a text box with the caveat that the map “is not a judgment on local authority performance”. “The number of children awaiting adoption may reflect local authority size and other factors,” it says.

But Andrew Webb, vice president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, described the map as a “crude measure.”

“While we understand the rationale for this map, it is not a proportionate analysis and cannot be used to judge ‘good’ or ‘bad’ authorities,” he said.

“The map does not give a full illustration of a complex and moving picture, but we hope it will help illustrate that there are still children waiting to be adopted in every part of the country and encourage those who are interested in adoption to come forward.”

Bridget Robb, acting chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, added: “Ministers are utterly obsessed with gimmicks aimed at exposing an apparent world of local authority failure to find good homes for children, implying that central government is the only area of public life taking seriously the need to offer long-term stability to young people.  

“So yes, it is welcome to help signpost potential adopters to services that could help them to eventually take a child into their lives, but talk of 'hotspots', areas where children are spending the longest time 'waiting for new homes' is yet another example of this government's simplistic approach to an incredibly complex subject.”

The government has meanwhile launched a telephone helpline for potential adopters and plans to unveil an online support service later this year.

Children and families minister Edward Timpson said the map provides potential adopters with the tools they need to find children who need adopting right across the country.

“Together the telephone 'infoline' and the new 'hotspots' map will arm would-be adopters with the information they need to approach any local area,” he said.

“We know many potential adopters out there can provide children with loving, stable homes but simply don't know where to start. These new tools will give many more people support in taking the first steps to adopting a child and giving them the chance to succeed in life.”