Post adoption support for those affected by adoption
When a child joins a family through adoption, those close to them will have unique needs. We're here to offer practical advice, guidance, and ongoing support to those affected by adoption in Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.
What post adoption support services are available?
Support for adults who have been adopted
If you are an adopted adult living in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes, we can support you to access your birth records and to reconnect with birth relatives. You may also wish to talk to FamilyConnect, who can support you to find services to reconnect with people.
Support for birth families affected by adoption
If a family member was adopted, you can talk to our team for advice through adoption counselling. We can also support you with maintaining relationships and staying in touch. If you would like further support and information, you can find local services through the Family Rights Group.
Preparing and supporting those who wish to adopt
From the beginning of your adoption enquiry, we will assist and prepare you to adopt with training and guidance throughout the process. This will help to develop your parenting ‘tool kit’ and your adoption support plan. This includes a preparation to adopt course that aims to prepare you for the journey ahead, to build your knowledge and understanding of what adoption is, and to decide if adoption is right for you.
First4Adoption, the national information service for people interested in adoption, is also a useful website to support you in your preparation to adopt.
Many adopters are entitled to adoption leave and pay through their employer and we encourage you to research this as you prepare to adopt. You can find out more about adoption pay and leave on the Gov.uk website.
Advice and guidance for adoptive families post adoption
Adoption agencies have a legal duty to provide support services, assess your needs, and make sure you have access to an adoption support advisor.
All adoptive parents should have a support plan agreed upon before they adopt their child. The plan includes details of the support that has been identified and how this will be provided. This includes contact arrangements and any financial support that may be offered.
For the first three years after an adoption order is granted, support will be provided by the local authority or the adoption agency that placed your child with you. Following this, the responsibility transfers to the local authority or adoption agency in which you live.
We can also assess your needs to make sure you have the help you need and connect you with support services.
Our guide to adoption support services explains what support is available after adoption and how we will assess your needs. You can also visit the Adopters Hub, a dedicated space for adopters to find support, training, and social events.
To request an assessment of your adoption support needs, message us through our contact form or call 0300 300 8090.
Additional organisations that support adoptive families
There are local and national support groups that can support you, including:
New Family Social - a national organisation that supports LGBTQ+ adopters
The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF)
The ASGSF can be applied for to fund specialist therapeutic support for your family. The purpose of the fund is to improve relationships with friends, family members, teachers, and school staff, engagement with learning, emotional regulation, behaviour management and the ability to enjoy a positive family life and social relationships.
Information for people related by adoption
If you are related to a child by adoption, a handbook for grandparents and other relatives is available through CoramBAAF. You can purchase the book through their website.
Education support for adopted children in schools
Schools are asked to give all children who were previously looked after by the local authority priority access to schools. This means that your child should be able to attend whichever school you think best meets their needs. You can read more about the school admissions code on the Gov.uk website.
At school, your child will be eligible for the Pupil Premium each year. You will need to let the school know that your child is adopted to enable the school to claim the pupil premium. You can find out more about Pupil Premium on the First4Adoption website.
Adoptive families can also access advice and information from the virtual school. You can access further information through the Central Bedfordshire Council and Milton Keynes City Council websites.
Speak to a member of the team
Our friendly team is here to offer support, answer your questions, or simply listen.
If you would like to speak to a member of the team, you can request a call back through our contact form or call us on 0300 300 8090.