The government wants to speed up adoptions to help the hundreds of children in the North East waiting for families.
David Oliver and his partner adopted three little boys six years ago, when they were 2, 3 and 4 years old. He says the process was difficult, but new measures should help,
A new government map showing the number of children waiting to be adopted shows Cumbria and Durham have the longest lists in our region. Each has 48 children approved for adoption but waiting for families. To see the full map click here.
A new telephone hotline has been set up to give advice about the routes to adoption and the support available. It will be staffed by people who have already adopted children.
It is 0300 222 0022.