Wirral Council is joining forces with other Merseyside local authorities to improve adoption services across the region.
The new service, AIM (Adoption in Merseyside) covers Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral and brings together a team of around 50 staff who have been seconded into the new organisation.
“Working with our partners throughout the City Region should mean we are able to offer more support to more children, through a quicker and more efficient service."
Cllr Margaret Harvey, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Adoption really can change a child’s life so I’m delighted that the Regional Adoption Agency could offer greater opportunities for children in our region.
Cllr Barry Kushner, Cabinet member for children’s services in Liverpool, said: “AIM means we are able to provide a better service for children and adopters.
Every year, the four local authorities approve around 100 adopters and place approximately 140 children for adoption.
Cllr John Joseph Kelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Safeguarding at Sefton Council, said: “We know that we often receive enquiries from across the Liverpool City Region, so it makes sense that we are collaborating with our neighbours to meet the challenges we face together and increase the potential for our vulnerable children to find a forever family.