The number of children seeking parents for adoption has halved in Kirklees this year with more than 50 found new homes.

And Kirklees chiefs think the council’s link-up with Huddersfield Town has thrust the issue into the public spotlight.

As a result, many more people have come forward as prospective adoptive parents and since launching the appeal numbers of children available for adoption fell from around 90 in January to 36 in September.

The figures were released at the start of National Adoption Week and latest figures from Kirklees also reveal that enquiries from prospective parents soared to its highest levels, up by more than 100% during 2012-13, compared to the same period the previous year. This year was also a record for Kirklees in terms of the number of approved new adopters and for children matched with families, with 34 new adopters approved and 47 children matched with adoptive families during 2012-13.

With Huddersfield Town’s support, Kirklees Council is now looking to build on this success during National Adoption Week, by encouraging even more people to come forward and adopt.

Clr Cath Harris, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “It is great news that more people than ever are making the decision to adopt. Although sadly many of the children in our care have experienced some degree of upheaval, we’ve seen time and again the transformation in them once placed within a permanent and loving environment.

“But with 36 children in Kirklees still in urgent need of adoption – and with numbers set to continue rising both locally and nationally – we simply cannot afford to be complacent.

“One of our key aims has been to reduce the length of time it takes to approve new adoptive parents. The Government’s target is around eight months but we are consistently achieving our own target of six months. We also work closely with local authorities across the country to find the best possible match for both parent and child as quickly as possible.

“Our foster carers do an amazing job but we will always need people who can provide forever homes.”

Nigel Clibbens, Huddersfield Town’s chief executive, said: “Encouraging even one person to adopt and helping to change the life of a young person for the better is a huge achievement.”

Representatives from Kirklees Council’s adoption team will be at Huddersfield Town’s Canalside complex ahead of and at the John Smith’s Stadium for their match against Birmingham on Saturday to answer any questions and provide information about adoption.

People can also call the Council’s adoption team on 0800 028 3001, or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/adoption