MORE children than ever are being adopted by Bournemouth residents as the town bucks a concerning national trend.

Last week, it was revealed that a priority government policy to increase the number of children being adopted across the country is in trouble.

Figures released by the Department for Education show that the number of children granted an adoption placement order – the first step to being adopted – fell 24 per cent in the year to March in England.

The number being matched for adoption with a family – the second stage before an adoption is completed – fell 15 per cent, according to the statistics.

There was a five per cent rise in completed adoptions in England last year, but this was markedly down on the previous year, when a 26 per cent increase was recorded.

However, in Bournemouth, the number of adoptions in 2014-15 rose by 54 per cent.

The number of children placed for adoption rose by seven per cent.

Bournemouth council's deputy leader and cabinet member for education and children's services, councillor Nicola Greene, said: “In Bournemouth, the number of children who are successfully placed is significantly higher in comparison to the national performance.

"This demonstrates the hard work and effort of the Bournemouth adoption service in finding permanent homes for children waiting locally to be adopted.

“Our priority is to ensure children are placed permanently, and that the placement is successful and right for both the child and the adoptive parents.

“More adoptive families are still needed in the Bournemouth area and further afield, particularly for children over four years old and sibling groups, who often wait longest to be placed.

“We would encourage anyone who is considering adoption to contact the Bournemouth Adoption Team.”

Cllr Chris Wakefield, who chairs the children's services overview and scrutiny panel, said: "We have an absolutely fantastic adoption team who work very hard with all involved to ensure that the process is successful."

The average age of children adopted in the town last year at the point they were taken into a new home was three-and-a-half years old.

Five sibling groups placed by the Bournemouth team were adopted last year, including two families of three.

To find out more about adopting, call 01202 456743 email adoption@bournemouth.gov.uk and ask to speak to the duty worker.

The next information evening for those interested in adoption will take place on October 19.