Adoption Support Services Failing Families in Crisis

Alarming New Report: Adoption Support Services Failing Families in Crisis

A new report by Adoption UK paints a concerning picture of the state of adoption support in the UK. The report, titled “Adoption Barometer,” reveals a significant rise in the number of adoptive families facing crisis-level challenges. Here are the key findings:

• Crisis on the Rise:

  The proportion of adoptive families in England experiencing severe difficulties has jumped from 30% to 38% in just one year.

• Optimism Plummets:

  The number of families feeling optimistic about the future has sunk to a record low of 69%.

• Adult Adoptees Feel Abandoned:

  Over 80% of adult adoptees surveyed lack confidence in accessing appropriate therapeutic services.

The System is Broken, Families are Struggling

The report highlights a critical lack of support for adoptive families, particularly those with complex needs. Adopted children often experience trauma before placement, leading to lasting impacts on their development and mental health. The current system, according to the report, fails to provide adequate support to address these challenges.

An Adoptive Mother’s Story

One anonymous adoptive mother shared her experiences fighting for support for her son. She emphasises the potential of adoption for children but criticises the lack of “wrap-around care” for families. She argues for a systemic overhaul to ensure families receive ongoing support, not just at the time of placement.

Delving Deeper: Specific Findings in England

The Barometer offers a closer look at the situation in England:

• Self-Harm Among Adopted Children:

  Nearly a quarter (23%) of adopted children have reportedly self-harmed or attempted to do so.

• Constant Battle for Support:

  75% of adoptive parents feel it’s a continuous struggle to get the support their child needs.

• NEET Rates Among Adopted Young Adults:

  29% of adopted young adults are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), significantly higher than the national average.

Urgent Action Needed: Adoption UK’s Recommendations

Adoption UK calls for a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis:

• Permanent Funding:

  The organisation proposes permanent funding for adoption support services, including a dedicated crisis support fund across all four nations of the UK.

• Tailored Support for Teenagers:

  Adoption UK emphasises the need for specialised support programs for teenagers and their adoptive families.

• Therapy and Counselling for Adults:

  Improved access to adoption-informed counselling and therapy for adult adoptees is crucial.

• Official Apology for Forced Adoptions:

  Adoption UK joins calls for the UK government to offer an official apology for historical forced adoptions, similar to apologies made in Scotland and Wales.

The Future of Adoption Hinges on Support

The Adoption Barometer serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to improve adoption support services. By improving support for adoptive families and adult adoptees, the UK can ensure a brighter future for all those involved in the adoption process.

For more information about Adoptions UK, take a look here.

For more advice on adoption and fostering, take a look here.