Support after adoption
Adoption is a life long journey, let us walk beside you
Adopting a child is a wonderful life changing experience but we understand that sometimes you might need some guidance, advice or support after adoption. We have an experienced and friendly team available to help you through our adoption support services.
Who can ask for adoption support through Adoption Connects?
Adoptive families who live in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes
People and families who live in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes where an adoption order was granted through another agency over three years ago
Adopted children who are under the age of 18 years and live in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes
Adopted adults who live in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes who want to access their birth record
People who have adopted from overseas and live in Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes
Birth relatives who live in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes
Stepparents who live in Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.
What support is available after adoption?
Support is accessible for local families including advice, guidance, peer support and family events with support from adopters and adoption workers.
If you are unsure what support you need you can attend one of our drop ins or ask us to assess your support needs and recommend appropriate support which could include:
An adoption drop in once a month
Regular communication through our newsletter
Support with family contact
Various social activities such as a Summer BBQ
An annual training programme to develop your tool kit for adoptive parenting including therapeutic parenting with PACE in mind, theraplay and therapeutic life story work
Access to consultations with our Adoption Connects Therapist
Support with school-based challenges, EHCP and Virtual Schools
Signposting to external groups offering support and guidance
Bi month support groups for adults affected by adoption
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
A youth club for your child
Links to other groups such as Parents by Heart and Look After YOU holistic therapy discount offer
A duty social worker who is available through the week (Monday – Thursday between 10am – 4:30pm and Friday between 10am – 4pm)
How are adoption support requests assessed?
Your request is assessed by an adoption social worker. Many requests can be dealt with quickly and we can signpost you to a service who can help you and offer support and advice. Some assessments may be more complex and need a more detailed assessment with involvement of other professionals or agencies before we can look at the support you need.
Once we’ve completed the assessment, we will develop an adoption support plan for you and your child detailing the support that can be provided.
If you would like to talk further about accessing our adoption support services, get in touch with our Adoption Support Services Advisor:
Anne Devine
Telephone: 0300 300 8090
Email: enquiries@adoptionconnects.co.uk
“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.”
Local support group
Parents by heart: support by people who share your journey of adoption
Parents by heart are a local group for adopters and people going through the adoption process to find support from people who share your journey.
You can find them on Facebook.
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 either Central Bedfordshire Council or Milton Keynes Council.
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.