A NEW map highlighting the number of children up for adoption in Nottingham and Notts could attract more prospective adopters, it is hoped.
The Adoption Gateway Map, launched yesterday, shows the number of children up for adoption in different local authority areas.
The colour-coded map shows the number of children waiting to be adopted across four categories – 17 or fewer, 18 to 27, 28 to 47, and 48 and over.
Both Nottingham and Notts are in the highest category.
Councillor Philip Owen, Notts County Council committee chairman for children and young people's services , welcomed the map.
He said: "We believe it will be a positive development which will supplement and not replace existing entry points within the local authority and other adoption agencies. I hope it will assist the start of the application process for potential adopters."
Steve Edwards, the county council's director for children's social care, added: "This map may encourage potential adopters in Nottinghamshire to come forward."
Notts County Council matched 65 children with adoptive parents between April and December last year.
Councillor Owen added: "We have approved more adopters this year than previous years and we have matched more children, but we desperately need more adopters to come forward."
To see the new map, visit www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/families/adoption. Anyone interested in adopting in Notts can call 0845 301 2288, or e-mail adoption@nottscc.gov.uk.