CHILDREN and Families Minister Edward Timpson told Cheshire East Council that the borough needs to boost its adoption rates.


Mr Timpson, who's parents fostered over 90 children and adopted two, spoke at Cheshire East Council adoption conference in Crewe about the importance of having a support network in place.


Edward Timpson said: “We not only need to boost adoption across Cheshire and the North West but we have a shortage of around 6,000 children across the country who are currently in care.


“We need to get better at finding them a loving, family stable home much quicker than we have done in the past and we have to learn from each other by making sure that that is a lasting placement by giving really good post adoption support.


“I know from my own family how important it is to have the support when you need it, so that the placement has every chance of succeeding.”


The Minister also praised Cheshire East Council for the work carried out around post-adoption support.


Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for safeguarding children and adults, expressed delight at the success of the conference.


Cllr Bailey said: “We are acutely aware of children that are in need, children that are in care and children who are adopted.


“But we need to ask ourselves are we sufficiently aware of the support necessary post adoption for those families and is it in place for as long as it needs to be.


“This conference has been a tremendous success and we are extremely pleased that the Minister was able to make time to attend.”