CYP Now - Adoption saves UK economy ‘billions of pounds a year’, claims research

Billions of pounds in savings can be made to the economy each year through adopting children in care, a report looking at the outcomes of adoption has found.

'We should be far more reluctant to dismiss this strong form of permanence for the child,' researchers say. Picture: Adobe Stock

The research finds that £4.2bn of savings was made in 2021 through improvements to children’s health, education and employment prospects after they were adopted.

It estimates councils saved £3.6bn, while savings for the wider economy were £341m and £34m for the NHS.

At least £1.3m in value is created for every child adopted, claims the research, which is based on the outcomes of 3,359 adopted children last year compared with those in other permanent placements.

This value is created through “improved outcomes adoption offers relative to staying in care or living in special guardianship placements, and the lower financial cost to local authorities of adoption compared to foster and residential homes”, states the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA) commissioned report.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included