More people hoping to adopt from around the Bradford district are being urged to come forward now that new Government guidelines have made the process easier.

In Bradford, there are usually between 80 and 90 children waiting for an adoptive family in any one month. There is a particular need for parents for children who often wait longer to be adopted, such as two or more siblings, children aged three or more and children with additional needs.

Councillor Ralph Berry who is Bradford Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, said: “Bradford’s adoption service needs adoptive parents of all ethnicities, cultures and religions. You do not have to be married to adopt. You may have a partner, be single, straight or gay. You do not have to own a home and can live in rented accommodation, as long as you have an extra bedroom.”

Under the new instructions, adopters could also be approved as quickly as within six months, said Bradford Council's adoption service manager Sheri Kinbrum.