A regional adoption agency has urged more people to consider adoption as a route to building or extending their family.

The call has come from One Adoption, the regional adoption agency for West Yorkshire, which says it welcomes adopters from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, sexuality or marital status.

Current statistics show that the number of children in Yorkshire who have a plan for adoption outnumber those coming forward to be adoptive parents by three to one.

Across West Yorkshire there are over 150 children waiting to find a permanent family.

‘The close working relationship between One Adoption West Yorkshire and all local authorities in the region means that we have been able to streamline processes and reduce the amount of time some children wait to find a permanent home,’ Cllr Fiona Venner, chair of the West Yorkshire Adoption Joint Committee, said.

‘Unfortunately this isn’t the case for all children – those in sibling groups or from minority ethnic backgrounds do tend to wait longer, so we really need more people to come forward who feel they can offer these children a stable, loving home.’

Sarah Johal, head of One Adoption West Yorkshire, said: ‘At the start of this new decade, we are urging people across the region to think about making the ultimate New Year’s resolution to change a child’s life by giving them the loving, stable, permanent home they need.

‘Considering adoption is a huge decision for anyone. At times it is challenging, as parenthood is for everyone, but adoption is an incredibly rewarding and positive experience.’