New short film gives life to adoption support services
4 Apr 2012
National charity Adoption UK has launched a new short film aimed at helping adopters discover more about its Family Support Service.
The film, which was officially launched at the joint BAAF/Adoption UK Effective Adoption Support conference in February, shows the charity’s Family Support Team at work.
It follows three case studies – two adoptive families and one prospective adopter – and shows how the Team delivered the support required by each to meet their needs.
Adoption UK, a membership organisation that has been supporting adoptive families before, during and after adoption for more than 40 years, produced the film so adopters could find out more about the service, meet the team and see that the service is there for everyone.
Around 4,000 children are adopted from the UK care system each year with the majority, around 70 percent, being removed from their birth families due to abuse or neglect. Because of their early childhood experiences, adopted children may have a wide variety of emotional, physical and behavioural needs.
Chief Executive Jonathan Pearce said: “The work that the Family Support Team carries out is vital to supporting adoptive parents and their children and also prospective adopters.
“Our Family Support Service is often a lifeline for families who are struggling to get support or understanding for their children. But the Team can help at all stages of the adoption journey – from a brief inquiry to intensive, on-going support.”
Adoption UK’s Family Support Team offers help through its Helpline, Family Support Buddies and Family Support Consultants. The services can be accessed directly by the adopter or prospective adopter or by referral through a social worker.
The film is available to view on the Adoption UK website: www.adoptionuk.org/callforhelp
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For further information:
Jess Hitching, Adoption UK – jess@adoptionuk.org.uk or 01295 752964