Children waiting to be adopted could be matched with potential families much quicker thanks to a new regional adoption agency.

Redbridge Council has joined forces with several other London boroughs and adoption charity Coram to create Ambitious for Adoption to simplify the adoptions process.

All adoption enquiries from Redbridge will now be funnelled through the newly created service which also offers adoption support for all of its adoptive families.

The new service will also ensure the voluntary sector and local authorities are working together as effectively as possible to speed up the matching of children with approved adopters.

Cllr Elaine Norman, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Adoption can really change a child’s life so I’m delighted that through this partnership initiative we’ll be in a stronger position to find prospective family homes for vulnerable children in our borough.

“A regional agency will widen the net of potential adopters, share expertise and ideas and ensure children and adopters get a consistent level of support. I’d really like to encourage anyone who has ever considered adoption to get in touch and find out more.”

Dr Carol Homden, CEO of Coram, said: “Given the current challenging climate of adoption, there has never been a more important time for those in the sector to work together to combine skills and resources and match children and adopters in a timely way.

“We urgently need adopters to come forward, and to achieve that means providing timely and effective support for adopters and for children. We would urge anyone who feels they can offer a safe, secure and loving family for a vulnerable child to contact us to find out more.”

If you would like more information about adoption, visit the Coram website at: www.coramadoption.org.uk