Support for adoptive parents

Our adoption support team is here for you long after the assessment process is complete.

We’ll support you every step of the way. From the moment you’re matched with your child through the adoption order and into the first year, ensuring you have everything you need. And if you ever require additional guidance in the future, we’re only a phone call away.

Your family may be eligible for the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund, which helps provide access to adoption-specific therapeutic support.

You can use this fund from the moment your child moves in, before the adoption order, and we’ll consider it as soon as you’re matched. If needed, you can also request an assessment of support later in your child’s life through our post-adoption team.

Find out if you’re eligible for the Adoption Support Fund (via first4adoption.org).

If you are employed and take time off work to adopt a child, It’s likely that you’ll beyou might be eligible for statutory adoption leave and pay (via GOV.UK).

Visit First 4 Adoption to find out more about your options for time off when you adopt a child.

Once you are matched with a child you will have a support plan that will focus on what support you or your child may need at that time.

This can include:

• counselling, advice and information
• support groups for adoptive parents and children
• support for staying in touch ( contact) between adoptive children and birth relatives
• therapeutic services
• specialist training

You can continue to access support during your child's childhood by requesting an assessment of needs with our post adoption support team.

Our support doesn't end once the Adoption Order is in place.

We like to keep in touch with you to check that you and your family are doing well and that you are kept up to date with the support we offer.

We keep in touch through:

• check ins with your assessing Social worker during the first 12 months post order.
• twice yearly social events
• a quarterly newsletter
• reviews of Staying in Touch arrangements (formerly known as contact)
• educational consultations with the Virtual School to ensure your child is accessing all available support to allow them to thrive at school
• life story consultations with dedicated Life Story workers as your child learns about and works through their personal story
• bespoke training and workshops offered on adoption specific issues

Further support can be accessed by requesting an assessment of need. You can discuss this by contacting the advice line.

Contact the Adoption Support team on 01494 586 626.

The advice line is available:

• Monday and Friday: 10am to 1.30pm
• Wednesday: 1:30pm to 5pm

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