More vulnerable children will be given specialist support as a result of a partnership between two leading charities.
Barnardo’s is to merge its family placement service with Adoptionplus, which provides specialist placements and therapeutic support for vulnerable children and young people.
This will enable Adoptionplus to expand its reach beyond the South East and Midlands while helping Barnardo’s family placement teams to develop their expertise in the field.
Adoptionplus will retain its identity, and children and families currently supported by the two organisations will see no change to their service.
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said: 'At Barnardo’s we’re committed to helping looked-after children enjoy safer and happier childhoods, and this partnership with Adoptionplus helps us do just that.
'This is a natural step forward for Barnardo’s as the UK’s largest independent adoption agency.'
Joanne Alper, director of services at Adoptionplus, said: 'By joining with Barnardo’s, Adoptionplus will have the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of many more children around the UK.'