In the UK, 2,940 children are waiting to be adopted with a family – with 1,430 of those waiting more than 18 months since entering care.
Adoption agency Adoption Focus said there is a shortfall of around 1,525 adoptive families.
The agency said each statistic represents a child spending yet another Christmas without the one thing they need most – belonging.
Gail was adopted at three weeks old, with no knowledge of her background and the couple said they wanted to provide a loving home to a child in need.
John said: “We adopted with a voluntary agency because they are independent not for profit organisations.
“Their focus is purely on finding the best outcome for children and they have supported us all the way.”
He said the process was comprehensive, including a four-day preparation training course, followed by a six month home study period with weekly visits from a social worker.
“Every aspect of our lives was explored. The process was very thorough, but not intrusive”, added John.
Anna Sharkey, CEO of Adoption Focus, said fewer people are coming forward to explore the adoption process due to a persistent belief that adoption is a long, difficult, and invasive process.
She said: “There’s an adoption crisis happening quietly in the background of our society and it’s not being talked about enough.
“These are children who have already experienced loss, trauma, and instability, and they deserve the chance of a permanent, loving home.”