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# Suffolk children waiting two years for their forever homes
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/suffolk-children-waiting-two-years-for-their-forever-homes/
- Published: 2024-11-05T11:52:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:31:07.000Z
- Description: Families across Suffolk are being encouraged to consider adoption, as new figures show local children typically wait more than two years to find their permanent home.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Youth, #article, Suffolk Fostering & Adoption, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**Why it matters:** The journey to adoption in Suffolk takes an average of two years and 45 days, while the number of families coming forward nationally has fallen by almost a third since March 2022.

![A young boy holding their parent's hand](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1730807445-child-holding-parents-hand-1.jpg)

Families across Suffolk are being encouraged to consider adoption Photo: dragana991 (Getty Images)

**The big picture:** UK waiting times vary significantly depending on a child's circumstances:

- Under-fives wait an average of two years and 24 days
- Children aged five and over wait an average of three years and 220 days
- Disabled children wait an average of three years and 139 days
- Ethnic minority children wait an average of two years and 200 days

**Between the lines:** The need for adoptive families from diverse backgrounds has become increasingly urgent as fewer people come forward to adopt.

**What they're saying:** "For all the challenges adoption can bring, our experience tells us that for the overwhelming majority, adoption is a hugely rewarding journey for children and parents," says Dr Carol Homden, CEO of Coram.

Minister for Children and Families Janet Daby adds: "The value of being loved completely and unconditionally is the foundation for achievement that all children need. Sadly, not enough people are coming forward. We deeply encourage everyone from all walks of life and a diverse range of backgrounds to consider adopting."

**The bottom line:** Adoption agencies are encouraging Suffolk residents to learn more about whether they could provide a loving home for a child waiting for adoption.

Visit [https://fosterandadopt.suffolk.gov.uk](https://fosterandadopt.suffolk.gov.uk/?ref=ipswich.co.uk) for more information about adopting in Suffolk.

### Sources

- [ASG Q4 2023/24 Headline Measures](https://www.coram.org.uk/resource/asg-q4-2023-24-headline-measures/?ref=ipswich.co.uk)

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