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I guess they have pre approved prospective adopters waiting and no children. Seems not uncommon. Too many adopters and fewer available children. Maybe it also depends on what you're looking for? Younger, older, sibling groups, disabilities? If you read the boards you'll see that a lot of people in a lot of areas have been waiting some considerable periods of time for a match. If they're not going to be able to match you, then I guess it's better they say that now. You could try other agencies or widen your criteria?

Our LA have closed their books to adopters wanting the so called easy to place white baby under 2 and are only recruiting those who are willing to take siblings of school age or harder to place children. Our neighbouring LA are also closed to new adopters. It is not uncommon now due to the climate.

Donatella, I am trying other agencies. Either caritas care again or north west adoption. NW adoption are going to ring me in June to see where I'm up to with housing and voluntary work!

Hi. Nessa I think you have 2 issues. One is the current climate which is far more approved prospective adopters than children to place nationwide. So unless you are looking to adopt a sibbling group (3+ and as you are single unlikely) or a child with very significant disabilities you are not in demand. Plus even when agencies are recruiting prospective adopters they are able to be very choosey over who that put forward onto srage 1 or 2. So although they would never admit it, a nice house (preferably home ownership) with good size bedrooms and garden make you more attractive. Significant experience with traumatised children is a huge plus. Good level of income with an ability to fund significant adoption leave and evidence of savings. Extensive support network. Its very competitive at the moment. I would suggest you contact all LAs and VAs in your area and ask what and who they are currently recruiting Good luck G

We approached the agency we used for our first adoption and were told they were not recruiting at present, they already have too many approved adopters and next to no children to place. I then phoned 3 or 4 other LAs and got the same story though one did suggest that another agency might be recruiting and so to try them. We took the advice and tried them and managed to get in on a "small window of recruitment" they were having at that time and are now approved for a second child. The fact still remains though that there appear to be next to no children that are not sibling groups, mixed-heritage or under 1 with serious medical issues "out there" so we appear to be in for a very long wait with no guarantee a 2nd child will ever be placed with us at all.