THERE are currently 314 children in Wales waiting to be adopted, 64 of whom have been waiting more than a year for a permanent home, new figures have revealed.

Speaking as part of National Adoption Week, the Welsh Government's minister for children, older people and social care Huw Irranca-Davies has called on people in Wales to consider adoption.

In the 2017-2018 financial year more than 300 children were found new homes, about 100 of whom were able to stay with their siblings, and 212 new adopters were approved.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “I want to pay tribute to families right across Wales who have adopted a child or a group of children, and all those professionals who support them through the journey.

"Their dedication and commitment is helping give some of our most vulnerable children a new start.

“I also want to encourage anyone who has thought about adopting to contact their local adoption agency or the National Adoption Service for advice about the process.

"By adopting a child, you’re going to help make a real, transformative difference to their life. As a father myself, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child flourish and develop.

“In Wales, we’ve made significant progress in supporting people to adopt children. But we know there’s much more we need to do to provide the right level of support. I’m committed to ensuring we do what we can to put that support in place.”

For more information visit adoptcymru.com