Push to 'relax' ethnic matches to improve adoption rate in Merton

Merton Council has pledged to improve adoption timescales and allow more prospective parents to adopt children of a different ethnic match, after it was revealed Merton found homes for only five per cent of children in care.

The figures, made up from a three year average from 2008-2011, putting the authority third from bottom in national league tables from the Department of Education - and showing a drop from 15 per cent in 2007 and 11 per cent in 2008.

Councillor Richard Hilton, one of three opposition Conservative councillors to who proposed the motion said: “It is sad that in Merton we appear to be letting down our children in care and our adoptions are just half of the level they were at three years ago. 

“Earlier in the year, the Government told Councils to relax the rules on ethnicity therefore increasing the opportunities for children to be placed in stable and loving homes.

“Ultimately, it is not the colour of the adopters’ skin that matters, it is whether they are right for the children.”

A motion asking for improved adoption timescales, and for less weight to be placed on an ethnic match, was accepted with amendments by the council at Merton’s full council meeting on Wednesday, November 23.

Merton Council cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Maxi Martin, said one child who was not an ethnic match had been placed in a permanent home since the new guidelines were issued.

Coun Martin said: “It is our overwhelming priority to find permanent placements for all the children in our care.

“The new guidance reinforces the fact that the child’s needs are paramount and, whilst finding an ethnic match is desirable, it is only one consideration when it comes to placing a child in a permanent loving home.”

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