Children up for adoption in Wandsworth have to wait more than two years to be adopted, making it the fourth worst borough in London.

Figures released last month show that between 2011 and 2014 children had to wait 760 days, or 25 months, on average – seven months more than the Government target.

Wandsworth made reductions of about one month since 2010, despite grants for two years which run out in March.

Adoption scorecards were introduced in 2012 in a bid to bring average waiting times down to 14 months by 2016.

Experts said longer waits prevented children getting the permanence and stability they need to thrive, and could lead to further problems.

Elaine Dibben, adoption consultant for the British Association for Adoption and 
Fostering, said: “There’s lots of research that says the sooner they can be moved into their adoptive families the better, gives them the opportunity that they’re settled and secured so that enhances their feeling of security.”

Cathy Ashley, chief executive of Family Rights Groups, said: “For those who do go on to be adopted the longer that they wait the more placements that they have in the meantime and the more damaging it is.

“Critically the number of placements you have prior to the adoption is a factor on whether the adoption is going to work or not.”

Children left in care achieve lower exam results, are less likely to go to university and more likely to develop substance dependency.

There are currently 15 children waiting for adoption in Wandsworth.

A council spokesman said: “We make every effort to complete adoptions as quickly as possible – and the current figures show a big improvement – but what is most important is to make sure we get the process right and that it is in the best interests of both the child and the adoptive parents. 

“What must be avoided is rushing into arrangements that may break down or not work over the long term.

“There are many different factors that can affect this process and which need to be taken into account, paramount of which is meeting the child’s needs, which can sometimes be complex and challenging.  

“There is no one size fits all solution, each case needs to be looked at individually.”