POTENTIAL adoptive parents in York will soon be able to search the national Adoption Register for the first time.

City of York Council has this week been selected to pilot a scheme which allows approved adopters to learn more about the children who are waiting for a loving, stable home, and from this September, they will be able to find out about their hobbies, likes and dislikes, and hear them speak and laugh in videos and pictures to help match children waiting with their new family.

The Adoption Register is currently only used by social workers but the scheme aims to ensure children are placed more quickly with appropriate families, with strict safeguards in place to ensure the safety and privacy of children and approved adopters.

Eoin Rush, Assistant Director, Children’s Specialist Services, City of York Council, said: "City of York Council is passionate about supporting adoption and increasing awareness of it, and is already set to approve 21 new adoptive families in 2014/15. This pilot will help adoptive families to quickly identify the child to who they can offer a permanent, loving home, whatever their age, status or situation.

"Regionally, City of York Council has joined forces with other local authorities through the Yorkshire and Humberside Adoption Consortium to recruit even more adopters."

For more information about how to adopt in York go to york.gov.uk/adoption or email adoption@york.gov.uk

Alternatively, phone 01904 553525 or visit beingfamily.co.uk