Adoption support services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes

Adoption is a lifelong commitment, and we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way. We understand that sometimes you might need some guidance, advice or support after adoption. Our experienced and friendly team can give you support if you are:

  • an adoptive family living in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes

  • a person or family who lives in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes, where an adoption order was granted through another agency over three years ago

  • an adopted child under 18 years living in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes

  • an adopted adult who lives in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes who wants to access their birth record

  • a person who adopted from overseas and lives in Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes

  • a birth relative living in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes

  • a stepparent living in Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

What support is available after adoption?

We offer a wide range of adoption support services tailored to your needs, including:  

  • access to our Adopter’s Hub, a dedicated space for adopters to keep up to date with events, training and support

  • access to the Adopters Together Peer Support Line

  • monthly adoption drop-ins

  • support with maintaining relationships and staying in touch

  • various social activities such as a Summer picnic

  • training on therapeutic parenting, theraplay and life story work

  • consultations with our therapist

  • support with school challenges, EHCP’s and Virtual Schools

  • signposting to external support groups and guidance

  • bi-monthly support groups for adults affected by adoption 

  • an assessment of adoption support needs 

  • access to a wide variety of therapeutic interventions by the Adoption Support Fund

  • support to work with families and CAMHS 

  • youth club for adopted children 

  • a duty social worker who is available throughout the week.

If you are unsure what support you need, you can attend one of our drop-ins or ask us to assess your support needs. Contact us to find out more.

How we assess adoption support requests

When you contact us, your request will be assessed by a member of our team. Many requests can be resolved quickly, and we’ll signpost you to the right services, some of which you can find on the Adopter’s Hub. For more complex needs, we’ll complete a detailed assessment and create a tailored adoption support plan for your child.

If you would like to talk further about accessing our adoption support services, get in touch with our Adoption Support Services Advisor through our contact form.

“The training provided was extremely useful, and we have felt supported by the team as a family.  Our adoption order has been granted, but that’s not the end; we will continue to seek support and attend some of the training and events, as it’s important that we have a good network of adoptive families as friends.  It helps our children understand that they are not the only ones with an adopted forever family, and we have made some great friendships along the way.” 

National support and useful links

Education 

The Virtual School advocates for children and young people who are looked after or who are previously looked after.  They can be contacted through the Central Bedfordshire Council or Milton Keynes Council website.  

Adoption UK

Adoption UK is the leading charity providing support, community and advocacy for all those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents.  Get in touch with us to see if you are eligible for the 25% discount code.  

First4Adoption

First4Adoption is a national information service for people interested in adoption. 

New Family Social 

New Family Social is a national LGBT+ adoption and fostering charity. 

The Potato Group 

The Potato Group (Parents of Traumatised Adopted Teens Organisation) are a UK based group of adoptive parents. They provide support, events and useful resources.  

Contact us for adoption support

Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or you’re already an adoptive parent looking for support, we’re here for you.

Request a call back through our contact form, or call us on 0300 300 8090.