Potential parents are being given more help to understand the adoption process.

The video 'So you want to adopt.' has been launched as part of the Government's drive to help find more adoptive parents. It explains the adoption process and what kind of children are looking for families.

Health minister Jacqui smith said: "There are 2,400 looked after children waiting to be adopted - children only get one chance to grow up and growing up in a stable, strong family provides the best opportunity for young people to thrive and develop."

British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering chief executive Felicity Collier said: "This video is excellent - it is realistic, informative and encouraging. BAAF recommends it strongly to everyone who may be thinking about adoption. Our message to the public would be watch it and you could change a child's life.

"It talks of the struggles and anxiety, but also the joy and rewards of adopting. It also shows how concerned social workers are to find families for children and I hope it will help to reassure prospective adopters. It takes viewers through the different stages of becoming adopters and is realistic about the challenges that adoption brings."