By Anna Sharkey

Every Christmas, homes across the UK glow with the warmth of family gatherings, but for thousands of children still waiting to be adopted, the season can amplify the absence of the one thing they long for most: belonging.

Right now, across the UK, around 2,940 children with a Placement Order are waiting to be matched with a family, and 1,430 of them have been waiting more than 18 months since entering care.

There is currently a shortfall of around 1,525 adoptive families. Each number represents a child spending yet another Christmas without the security and permanence most of us take for granted.

This year, Adoption Focus is shining a spotlight on those children through its powerful new campaign,

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