CENTRAL Devon’s MP Mel Stride has welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent call to speed up the adoption process by doubling the number of ‘early placements’ — placing children with their adoptive parents before legal proceedings have been completed.

Mr Stride also emphasised the need for greater post-adoption support.

He said: ‘The huge amount of progress the Government has made in improving the adoption process has largely gone unrecognised. Completed adoptions have risen by 30% in the last two years, but more needs to be done.

‘When parents-to-be have been vetted and matches approved, paperwork shouldn’t delay the placement. Ten per cent of adoptions are now early placements and increasing this figure will help more children find a loving home quicker.

‘I also know from meetings in my constituency with parents who have adopted, that many families need additional support and this is particularly important for children with mental health or behavioural issues.’

The head office of Families for Adoption, a service that places children for adoption across Devon, can be contacted on 01364 645480 or via their website at www.familiesforchildren.org.uk