General Some links to related organisations and resources related to adoption and looked-after children in general. Expand PAC-UK Specialist Therapy, Advice, Support, Counselling and Training for all affected by Adoption and Permanency. GingerbreadShaping policy and services that support single parents since 1918. Gov.uk guide to child adoption UK Government guide to adoption, including links to other relevant Government resources and services. NHS Choices - adoption and fostering The NHS guide to the health, well-being and support available to adoptive families. Adopting.com A large US-based internet resource on adoption and adopting. First4Adoption A dedicated information service for people interested in adopting a child in England. If you have a question about your suitability to apply to be an adoptive parent, or if you want to know where to begin the adoption process, call our friendly trained advisers who will be able to give you the information that you need. We can also put you in touch with adoption agencies in your area. First4Adoption is run by the charities Coram, Coram Children's Legal Centre and Adoption UK. It is funded and supported by the Department for Education. For the adoption information line call 0300 222 0022, open from 10am-6pm, Monday - Friday. All calls to our service are confidential. This service is provided in England only. The Fostering Network Membership charity that provides information and resources, impartial advice, training and conference events for foster carers and fostering services across the UK. Also campaigns about issues related to fostering. PAFCA (Parenting Advice for Foster Carers & Adopters) Parenting Advice for Foster Carers and Adopters (PAFCA) joins together the expertise of foster carers and adopters with that of professionals to improve the emotional well-being, behaviour and mental health of adopted and fostered children. Hadley Centre for Adoption & Foster Care Studies Aims to promote best practice by linking research, practice and training in order to provide children whose own parents are not able to care for them consistently or predictably with stability and permanence. Fundraising for Adoption UK at justgiving.com The Justgiving website is a quick and simple way for you to set up your own fundraising page so friends adnd relatives can sponsor you online, to help Adoption UK support more adopters and prospective adopters. Cruse Bereavement Care Aims to help anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss, providing support, information, advice, education and training. Counselling Directory Connecting you with professional support.Get our free monthly e-magazine https://happiful.com/ Adoption Register for England and Wales Stores details of children awaiting adoption, whose own agency has not been able to find the right adoptive family, and details of approved adopters awaiting a placement whose agency has not been able to match them with appropriate children. Register staff use the information to see whether they can suggest possible 'matches' between children and prospective adopters. Independent Review Mechanism (Adoption and Fostering) Provides adoption applicants in England with the option of applying to an independent body to review the adoption agency's determination not to approve them as adopters or to withdraw their approval.
Health and Disability Links to related organisations and resources related to health (physical and mental) and disability, for adults and children. Includes information on infertility, claiming Disability Living Allowance and learning disabilities. Expand Capability - support for people with disabilities (Scotland only) Works with disabled people of all ages and their families and carers throughout Scotland, providing support services as well as campaigning for disabled people's rights. Contact a Family Provides support, advice and information for families with disabled children. The Daisy Network - Premature Menopause Support Charity for women who have experienced a premature menopause. Gov.UK Benefits Adviser Get an estimate of what benefits (eg Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance) and tax credits you could get, and find out about claiming specific benefits. The FASD Trust The FASD Trust was started in January 2007 in response to the growing number of requests for information being received by the adoptive parents of a child diagnosed as having FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders). The Family Fund Provides grants to help families with severely disabled children. The Infertility Network UK Infertility support network, offering information and support to anyone affected by fertility problems. Mencap Information on learning disability NHS Direct Online health information and advice, including a comprehensive encyclopedia of illnesses and conditions. NOFAS-UK (National Organisation on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - UK) Dedicated to eliminating birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to improving the quality of life for children, adults, families, carers and communities affected by foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and foetal alcohol Spectrum disorders (FASD). Troubled Children and Young People – 'What works' Index of mental health concerns from the Research in Practise website (for RiP members only) Young Minds Charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of all children and young people. Runs a helpline for parents.
Intercountry adoption This page provides resources that cover intercountry adoption, including where to find out more information and avenues of support. Expand Intercountry Adoption Centre Aims to ensure that, if people do contemplate adoption from another country, they have the means of making informed decisions, with a clear understanding of the issues involved. Families and young adopted people also contact IAC after the adoption has taken place. They may want to make contact with other adoptive families, or find out where to obtain specialist support and help.
Internet safety Links to downloadable flyers offering advice on internet safety Expand UK Safer Internet Centre advice for adoptive parents:www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/foster-carers-and-adoptive-parents Childnet’s family agreementwww.childnet.com/resources/family-agreement Childnet’s advice leaflet for parents on supporting young people onlinewww.childnet.com/resources/supporting-young-people-online Childnet’s advice leaflet for parents on supporting young people with social networking siteswww.childnet.com/resources/young-people-and-social-networking-sites Childnet’s parent and carers resource sheetwww.childnet.com/resources/parents-and-carers-resource-sheet Flyers courtesy of Childnet www.childnet.com
Legal information Get advice and support on a whole range of legal issues, from family rights, to the criminal justice system. Also support over false allegations and CRB checks. Expand Family Rights Group Advises families whose children are involved with or require social care services Citizens Advice Bureau Helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers. FASO Voluntary organisation dedicated that supports anyone affected by a false allegation of abuse Criminal Justice System Online Information on the criminal justice system (England and Wales). Employment law information on Gov.uk Information on employment law, including adoption rights Disclosure and Barring Service The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Children's Legal Centre Provides legal advice and representation to children, their carers and professionals throughout the UK. Areas covered include child law, education law and family law. Legal Aid information on Gov.uk Free, confidential legal advice. Also includes a Legal Aid calculator for you to work out what you are entitled to.
LGBT Some links to organisations who offer support for lesbian, gay and bisexual adopters, whether you are just thinking about adoption or an established adoptive family. Expand Newfamilysocial London-based group, helps lesbian and gay adopters to support each other, and promotes positive outcomes for their children by organising family events, and enabling strong support networks to be built. Also offers help and advice to those considering adoption. Stonewall Adoption information from the lobbying group for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals
Post adoption support Links to organisations that provide post adoption support services. Expand Adoption Services for Adults Adoption Services for Adults is a relatively new service but it involves people with many years of experience and expertise in searching and in working with adults affected by adoption. The Post-Adoption Centre London-based organisation offering advice, counselling, therapeutic services and regular seminars and training events for adopters and professionals. Family Futures Service for children in adoptive families, foster families and families living with children who have experienced separation, loss or early trauma. Specialises in therapeutic work for children who have experienced early trauma and who have attachment difficulties. CASA (Consortium of Adoption Support Agencies) CASA (the Consortium of Adoption Support Agencies) is a national forum representing registered Adoption Support Agencies (ASAs) in the UK, whether individuals or organisations. CASA provides information on ASAs, peer support between agencies, networking opportunities, a representational forum and a channel for promoting best practice.
Tracing Links to information about tracing. Expand Information on the Adoption Contact Register on Gov.uk Information on the Adoption Contact Register, including how to add yourself to the register. Adopted Adults and Adult Birth Relatives: Tracing and Contact Link to a 2008 downloadable report from the Department of Children, Schools and Families, now the Department for Education. Adoption, Search and Reunion Intended as a first port of call for anyone thinking about searching for or making contact with birth and adopted relatives or researching an adoption that took place in the UK. The National Archives A guide to resources to help you trace your family tree, using records held at The National Archives and elsewhere. Adoption Services for Adults Adoption Services for Adults is a relatively new service but it involves people with many years of experience and expertise in searching and in working with adults affected by adoption.