Adopting parents get to help choose the child they want for the first time More "activity days" where prospective parents can make "a real connection" with a child on the register which have proved very successful especially with those considered harder to place; The right to take time off work to meet the children they are set to adopt before they move in to help smooth the transition; Trials of personal budgets to give parents more choice over support services; Include adopted children among those qualifying for free education at the age of two for 2014; A telephone helpline manned by adopters and an online service. Mr Timpson said: "We know that children do well in an adoptive family and I hope this comprehensive package of support will lead to more and more people having the confidence to come forward and provide a chance for these children to thrive and reach their potential. This support will also provide more help to those who are already adopting children who have been in care. I urge everyone this Christmas to think seriously about opening up their home to a child awaiting adoption. Former Barnardo's chief Martin Narey, now the Government's adoption adviser, said new evidence from the US - and more recently the UK - suggested giving adopters the initiative improved matches. Of course, that does not mean that adopters can simply choose their child, they still need professional advice on such a vital decision. But it is clear - and indeed I have observed - that there is a chemistry between adopters and children which can provide a foundation for a very successful adoption. David Holmes, chief executive of the British Association of Adoption and Fostering, which has piloted the activity days, said: "Now, more than ever, we need more people to consider if adoption could be right for them - we must find families for the thousands of children who are waiting whilst ensuring that adoption support is available to meet the needs of all."