Adoption UK statement on the publication of the Government’s Adoption Action Plan

14 Mar 2012

National membership and support charity for adoptive parents Adoption UK has welcomed the publication of the Government’s Adoption Action Plan and its focus on improving the adoption system for children in care and their future adoptive families.

Adoption UK’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Pearce, made the following statement:

“The Action Plan is an ambitious attempt to address some of the shortcomings in the system, particularly those around the length of time that it takes to place children for adoption and the negative experiences that many adoptive parents have of the adoption system. We hope that the implementation of the Plan will build on the wide range of good practice that we know is already out there, while addressing the bad practice that also exists, and which undermines the positive aspects of the system.”

“Where the Action Plan could be strengthened is in relation to the development of adoption support services. The government’s Expert Working Group has clearly stated the importance of support services to government – the aim of recruiting more adopters and placing more children for adoption will not be realised unless support is put in place to help ensure the success of adoptive placements. While the Plan’s in principle support of the Working Group’s proposals is welcome, this is where we need to see more action.”

“We are particularly pleased to see the announcement of a National Gateway for Adoption, for which Adoption UK has been campaigning for in recent years. The Gateway should provide a consistent, welcoming service to those interested in adopting, and help overcome the barriers that we know about one-third of adopters experience in trying to get through the ‘front doors’ of adoption agencies.

“The streamlined assessment and preparation process will help renew confidence in the system, although speed of assessments must be balanced against quality and we know that for many adopters they value the time and space that the process gives them to consider the life-changing impact that adoption will have for them and any children placed with them. What Adoption UK’s adopters say they need is a process that better equips them for the joys and challenges of adoptive parenting through strong and continuing education and training on child development and how this is affected by the trauma of abuse and neglect, attachment issues and how to be therapeutic parents to abused and neglected children. Adopters also want to see other adopters being part of the adoption system as the experience that they are able to pass on is invaluable.

ends

Read the Government's Adoption Action Plan in full

For further information:

Erika Pennington, Adoption UK – erika@adoptionuk.org.uk or 01295 752960.

Out-of-Office Hours: 07500 968475

Notes for Editors:

Adoption UK

Adoption UK is a registered charity (number 326654) and adoption support agency, and was established in 1971.
Adoption UK is the only national charity run by and for adoptive parents. The charity’s aim is to provide and support a self-help network for adoptive parents to explore the unique social, emotional and developmental needs of adopted children and young people and their families. Through this network, Adoption UK also promotes effective learning practice, based on over 35 years’ experience of adoptive parenting, which is integrated with current theories of trauma, attachment and development.
Adoption UK supports parents before, during and after the adoption process
Members have experience of adopting in UK and abroad, from babies and toddlers to teenagers, with a wide range of medical, emotional, physical and learning difficulties.
Membership represents multicultural Britain.
The Online Community launched in November 2003 and won Charity Website of the Year 2004. Key features include message boards, letters, library of resources, database of real life experiences, special features and daily news. Over 80% of visitors are UK-based however the site has been embraced by people touched by adoption around the world.
Adoption UK offers a range of other services to adoptive families, including: a national telephone helpline; access to local support groups throughout the UK; contact networks; Adoption Today and Children Who Wait magazines, information leaflets and publications; training programmes and courses; and a lending library.
Adoption UK also lobbies and campaigns on behalf of the concerns of adoptive families.

Head Office: Linden House, 55 The Green, South Bar Street, Banbury, Oxon OX16 9AB

Tel: 01295 752240. Helpline: 0844 848 7900.

National Offices:

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Tel: 0131 555 5350

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Tel: 029 2023 2221