A REVAMP of adoption services has been proposed in Worcestershire in the hope to bringing down the waiting time for hopeful families and encouraging more to adopt.

The county council has finished a major in-house exercise to see how it compares to other councils for adopting.

There are 36 children currently adopted in Worcestershire, and the average waiting period for finalising each one is 617 days.

Although it compares well with the government benchmark of 637 days, bosses want to make it more fluid to give each child a quicker resolution.

They also say adopting should be considered by a broader range of people in the county, with someone’s background or means not being used as a barrier.

A hard-hitting report says a a shortage of adopters is often part of the reason for delays – a situation that adoption bosses are keen to tackle.

The report said: “A major factor which contributes to delay in the adoption process is the lack of suitable adopters. In Worcestershire, from April 1 2012 to the current time there were 29 applicants for adoption and 36 children waiting to be adopted.

“This is a problem experienced by local authorities nationally and one the Government acknowledged in its recent announcement of measures to make it easier for parents looking to adopt.”

It also says the lack of applicants is a “particular frustration” for social workers, which means they are under pressure to explore other options for in-need children.

Councillor Barry Gandy, one of five politicians who led the investigation, said: “Worcestershire Adoption Service is looking for people from all walks of life to come forward and provide a loving home for our children.”

The report featured a series of recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the Conservative cabinet.

They include producing better marketing material for prospective adopters, being “more assertive” in campaigning and reviewing the information sent to people who make initial enquiries about taking on a child.

All 57 councillors will receive briefings and new literature so they can better promote adoption to residents asking about it.

Councillor Liz Eyre, the cabinet member responsible for children and young people’s social care, said: “Adoption has always been a high priority for this council, and we accept all the recommendations.”