As an adopter with Adoption Focus, you can be sure that you and your family will always have access to the support you need whenever you need it.
Support for your New Family
All new families need help and support as they begin their life together. Your social worker will visit you regularly to offer advice for as long as you need it. You'll have already built up a relationship with them and they will be a familiar and friendly face. Our Social Workers are experienced in helping people like you to adjust to life as an adopter. They will help you and your child or children to settle and overcome early problems. If needed, they can also refer you to our adoption support team for any additional help you might need.
Support Whenever You Need It
Even experienced parents can benefit from professional help at times. And while you will know your children better than anyone else, our adoption support team is able to provide valuable assistance which can help you to get through the difficult times that all families experience.
Some adopters are in regular contact with us for advice and assistance, while we won’t hear from others for long periods - either because there are no issues or because they prefer to rely on their own support networks. Do remember you can contact us at any time, even if your adoption order was granted years ago - we are always here if needed.
If you think adoption is for you, I can confirm that the challenges of the adoption process disappear when you are holding your child for the first time.
Why Might I Need Support?
Like all children, adopted children will encounter new challenges as they grow older and parents can be uncertain of how best to help them. This can include factors like:
- Adolescence/Teenage behaviour
- Changes of school
- Peer relationships
- Bullying
- Changes in family circumstances – marriages, break-ups, bereavements
- Changes in behaviour
- Social media
There are also factors unique to adopted children which can cause anxiety for families. Things like:
- Life story questions
- Unplanned contact
- Changes around the need for contact
We offer sympathetic and professional advice and have a range of resources to help you with any issues you might come across.
FAQ - How do we access support?
To access our adoption support, adopters should initially contact us on 0121 779 0891 or by email at dutysw@adoption-focus.org.uk. This will then be followed up by an experienced adoption support worker who will work with you to find the support you need.
Peer Support through our Buddy Scheme
When you adopt with Adoption Focus, you'll have access to valuable peer-to-peer support through our Buddy Scheme. Our Buddies are experienced adopters who are happy to share their perspectives with adopters at an earlier stage in their journeys. They can offer you advice and strategies that have worked for them, or just provide a sympathetic ear for any concerns you may have.