Fostering and adoption services in Scotland are continuing to perform well, according to the Care Inspectorate.

A new report published today showed that the quality of care experienced by children accessing fostering and adoption was high, with 97% graded ‘good’ or better at inspection.

The report notes that a quarter of all children approved for adoption in Scotland had been waiting for more than a year to be matched with approved adopters.

There are many factors that influence the time taken to match children. Individual Local Authorities are working to address issues to reduce the matching process.

Peter Macleod, the chief executive of the Care Inspectorate said: “Our job is to work closely with local authorities and independent organisations who provide adoption and fostering services.

“These services play a vital role in assessing, approving and supporting carers and prospective adoptive parents in caring for some of our most vulnerable children.

“From our inspections we know that the vast majority of these services perform very well. We are also well aware that tremendous work has gone on across the sector to innovate and make a real difference to the lives of children.

“By highlighting good practice and identifying areas which can improve, we help ensure that all children can get the best possible start in life.

“We also know that more high quality fostering and adoption places are needed for vulnerable children, and that too many children are separated from their siblings when a place is found for them.

"It is important that children in care are supported to form permanent and loving relationships as quickly as possible, and an important part of this is almost always maintaining the strong bond between siblings.

“Sisters and brothers are often a great support and comfort at times of crisis, especially for young children.”

The full report is available here: http://bit.ly/fosteringandadoption