To ask for support is not to say you cannot cope.
Why is there a need for post-adoption support?
Parenting any child is demanding but for adoptive parents there may be additional challenges which we can help you with. Nowadays children come to adoption with many complex needs - particularly those who are adopted when they are older. Post-adoption support can help you to meet these demands.
We are a non-judgmental service, your request for support will be viewed as a strength; not as an inability to cope.
Who can access South Gloucestershire's post-adoption support services?
You must live in South Gloucestershire and be:
- An adopted child
- A parent (or part of a family) of an adopted child
- Birth relatives of an adopted child
What issues can we help with?
- Attachment
- Education
- Health
- Behavioural problems
- Support with contact
- Talking to your child about their adoption and family history
- Information on the benefit system
- Parenting
How can we help you?
- Information, advice and counselling
- Signposting to other relevant services
- Help to access services
- Support groups
- Resource library
- Training opportunities
- Access to therapeutic services
- Financial assistance. We are under no obligation to offer this type of assistance. The decision to give financial support is based on the child's needs, resources and the adopters' circumstances
How does it work?
The adoption support worker will take a referral and if appropriate they will undertake an assessment. They will then discuss with you a support package or if more appropriate they will signpost you elsewhere.
What will an assessment involve?
All children placed for adoption have their needs assessed for adoption support prior to placement. Once an adoption order has been made you are entitled to ask for an assessment.
This involves looking at the needs of the adopted child and how best to support them. The adoption support worker would visit you at home and may need to contact an educational and health specialist in relation to the adopted child.
We will keep families informed throughout the assessment. We understand that every family and child is unique with different needs. We hope to offer a service that reflects this.
We understand how difficult it is to ask for help and we aim to respond promptly and sensitively.