An urgent appeal for more parents to adopt and foster children was made today amid an alarming rise in the number of youngsters wanting to be found new families.

The Adoption Unit in Shipley said there are currently 50 youngsters, who are suitable for adoption, living in care homes across Bradford because of a lack of appropriate guardians.

The number is 19 per cent up on last year's figure.

Alison Baker, recruitment and promotion officer for the unit, said the number of children coming into the system is increasing every year.

She said: "We just don't have enough families who are prepared to take on the number of children we are dealing with. We need to get new people through the door because more and more children are becoming suitable for adoption all the time."

She added that a major problem was allocating homes to older children and siblings who wish to stay together.

Children aged five to 15 account for 52 per cent of the 700 children in care homes across Bradford.

"To place some children is very, very difficult. We have got to be realistic and face the fact that it is tough to find homes for many boys over the age of five. Each year they get older and it gets even harder," said Mrs Baker.

The adoption unit has estimated that between April 2001 and 2002, 45 children will have been found new homes, 13 more than during the previous year.

To help more children find loving families, Catholic Care has launched a new initiative in Bradford to encourage more people to consider adopting children.

Vera Ogden, the charity's adoption team leader, said: "Through campaigning we hope to challenge some of the myths surrounding adoption. Many people who have adopted children say it is one of the most challenging and rewarding things they have ever done."

Care workers claim many people are put off adopting because they wrongly believe it is necessary to have a heterosexual partner, be under 50, own their own home or hold qualifications to be considered.

Applicants must be over 21 but the main criterion considered by adoption workers is their ability to meet the needs of children, by providing stability and security.

Geoff and Sarah Keane, of Allerton, adopted their first child, Daniel, three years ago when he was four. They have also recently taken on a seventh-month-old baby, Louise.

Mrs Keane, 37, said: "We had been trying for our own child for a few years and then decided to adopt. It was the best thing we have ever done. We have gone from being a couple to being a family.

"I would tell anyone thinking of adopting to get in touch with the unit because it could be the most important decision they ever make."

To find out more about adopting call the unit's helpline on (01274) 754331 or visit their website at www.bradfordadoptionfostering.org.uk