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Slim adoption chances for black children

Children from ethnic minorities who end up in care are far less likely to be adopted because of the impact of racism, a shortage of potential adopters in their communities and the persistence of myths about who can adopt. In its new report for the children's charity NCH, the Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies found that ethnic minority children comprise 18 per cent of all children in care and 22 per cent on the national adoption register. But only 13 per cent of adopted children come from a minority ethnic background.

In its new report for the children's charity NCH, the Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies found that ethnic minority children comprise 18 per cent of all children in care and 22 per cent on the national adoption register. But only 13 per cent of adopted children come from a minority ethnic background.

Julie Selwyn, director of the centre, based in the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol, said, 'Most of the children waiting for adoption are under five. About 700 black children are waiting, and we know many of them will never find a family and if they remain in the care system their outcomes are usually poor.

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