Adoptive families of Wales championed through new therapeutic service

The Therapeutic, Education and Support Services in Adoption (TESSA) programme aims to empower adoptive parents, who are raising traumatised children, by giving them early access to a clinical psychologist as well as peer support. Up to two-thirds of adoptive parents in Wales require professional support at some point, often over the long-term.  

TESSA's early achievements were celebrated on Tuesday when more than 60 child psychologists and social care professionals joined adoptive parents at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff.

The event, The Role of Psychology in Supporting Adoptive Families, was organised by Adoption UK Wales. It saw attendees unite in song in support of adoptive families.

Full report from the day

Presentations and reports from the day are available to download and read below:

TESSA Effectiveness and Impact Study

The Role of Psychologists in Adoption Services, Dr Dave Williams

Charting the trajectories of adopted children's mental health, Katherine Shelton

What is TESSA? - English

Beth yw TESSA? - Cymraeg

Achieving More Together / Cyflawni Mwy Gyda’n Gilydd, Suzanne Griffiths

Creating resilient communities with adoptive families, Vicky-James Perkins

Psychology and Adoption: Identifying helpful therapeutic approaches - Dr Vivien Norris