A magnificent response to the Telegraph & Argus Adoption Appeal could have ended a waiting list crisis among young children in care.

We revealed in October how the number of children under five waiting for new adoptive homes was at an all-time high of 64.

And today, social services chiefs say the campaign produced an extra 28 prospective adopters and 14 extra prospective foster carers.

They will all join preparation groups this month and could be ready to provide homes for the children by June.

"It has made such a tremendous difference," said Jody Sheppard, Bradford's adoption co-ordinator.

"It looks like the crisis should be averted - if everything goes as we hope.

"It is looking like our needs will be met for white children under the age of three - we still need adoptive parents for school age children, mixed Asian/white parentage and sibling groups."

Councillor Mike Young, chairman of Bradford Council Social Services Committee, said: "The Telegraph & Argus deserves much credit for the way in which it has publicised the need in the district for more adopters and foster carers.

"All the applicants have been placed in preparation groups for January to give them further information about adoption and fostering. It is hoped that the first families will be approved from April.

"Of course it is likely that a number of these families will not be suitable, or may withdraw from the process but staff are confident there will be extra placements available for Bradford children from the spring."

In spite of the success of the campaign, Mrs Sheppard said more families willing to take on children in care were always needed because children were coming into the care system all the time.

In addition there was a particular need for adoptive families who would take children aged five to eight, children with special needs, and groups of two or three brothers and sisters who needed placing together.

The Council has recently relaxed its policy on the age that adoptive parents need to be to take young children.

Applications are welcomed from people up to the age of 55. People aged 40 - 45 are now considered eligible to take pre-school age children, where before it was felt they were more suitable for school age children only.

More information on adoption is available by calling (01274) 754331.

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