The Department of Health has released its latest statistical bulletin detailing information on children adopted from care in Northern Ireland for the period ending 31 March 2026.
Data collected under the AD1 return form from all five Health and Social Care Trusts reveals that the average duration between a Looked After Child Best Interest Proposal and the final Adoption Order was two years and two months.
This figure represents a marginal decrease compared with figures recorded in earlier reporting cycles.
The publication notes that adoption timelines for foster carers who subsequently adopted their own foster children remain longer than those for other adopter categories.
Officials attribute this extended period to the distinct circumstances inherent in these specific types of adoptions.
Further details regarding the data can be accessed through the Community Information Branch within the Information Analysis Directorate at Stormont.
A similar statistical release concerning the year 2026/27 is scheduled for publication in September 2027.
Media organisations requiring further information may contact the Department of Health Press Office directly.