Adoption Support

What support do I receive as adoptive parents?

Adoption support can take many different types. It may be financial support, it may be information advice, it may be counseling, it may be being part of an adoption support group, so an opportunity to meet on a regular basis with other adoptive parents - really a wide range of support. What you have a right to is an assessment of your adoption support needs, and every local authority is required to provide a wide range for adoption support services

Will I recieve financial support as an adoptive parent?

You may receive financial support . Again, it depends on the needs of the child and it depends on your own circumstances.

Am I able to meet other adoptive parents?

Oh, yes. And that's such an important thing to do. When somebody is going through the adoption process, there's a stage which is called preparation. Part of that preparation stage will be all about meeting other adopters, and learning about their experience. It's so important to talk to people who've actually been through the process because that is what really makes it real and helps you to understand what adoption is about.

What support does a child receive when being adopted?

The child will receive lots of support throughout the process. The child will already be in care, and so will have the support that comes through being in care. But, when the plan is made that adoption is in a child's best interest, there will be a lot of preparation done with the child so that they can think, and be helped to think through the issues that will occur to them in becoming a member of a new family. We have something which is called "life story work". This is work that's done with a child to actually help them come to terms with where they are now in their life, and the fact that they were born to a particular family; what happened to them with that family; why they came into the care system; and why they are now going to move on to be adopted. Life story work can often involve creating boxes of memories for a child, which includes lots of photographs, lots of thinking about what has happened in their life, and how they got to this particular stage. We know it is really important to prepare children well for adoption. Otherwise, children just won't be ready.

Does a child receive ongoing support after adoption?

The child's ongoing support needs will be assessed as part of the assessment of their adoption support needs, not only for them but for the wider family. Every adoptive family has the right to request an assessment of their adoption support needs.