Family Membership
Whatever stage of the adoption journey you are at, from first enquiry to adoptive parent, we are here to help inform, advise and support you. Membership provides access to a supportive community together with a wide range of extra services, benefits and independent advice.
WHY JOIN US?
Learn
Read about others' experiences, case studies and news and source specialised information through our exclusive magazine and the members-only section of our website and library. Attend expert-led training courses and workshops
Confide
Call our Helpline for expert advice and information on your personal adoption queries, large or small. We're here to listen and provide practical advice and solutions. We have years of experience in providing support and all conversations are treated in the strictest confidence
Connect
Become a member of our active community for peer and expert advice through our online forums and local support group meetings. Access to peer to peer support including parent consultants or buddies is also available (add-on paid service)
Influence
We'll make sure your voice is heard at government level to action change in adoption services, legislation and processes for the benefit of all adoptive children and families in the UK.
The benefits of becoming a member
- Adoption Today magazine - our exclusive bi-monthly publication covers the latest knowledge, research, strategies and real-life articles exploring different aspects of adoption and adoptive parenting
- Children Who Wait - family finding service online and in our monthly magazine, available to members as an optional add-on for a small additional fee
- Adoption UK Helpline - receive individual advice and additional benefits such as access to our legal adviser, where appropriate
- Lending Library - access more than 900 books, CDs and DVDs covering a wide range of adoption-related issues
- Adoption UK factsheets - download factsheets covering a wide range of subjects, including attachment, adoption leave and pay and post-adoption depression
- Online members' area - access the Adoption UK members-only area and forum message boards to benefit from additional resources and community-led support
- Local support groups and family days - we have more than 60 support groups and host a number of family days nationwide, bringing adoptive families together
- Training workshops and conferences - receive discounts on our award-winning training and conferences featuring the very best international speakers in the adoption field
- Online shop - members also receive discounts on a wide range of carefully selected books and CDs in our online shop
Join now online!
First enquirers
If you're just beginning to explore the possibility of becoming an adoptive parent and are wondering exactly what is involved we can help you to understand:
- What questions to ask of yourself and adoption professionals
- How to select an adoption agency
- Key stages on the journey to becoming an approved prospective adopter
- What training you can attend and resources you can read to help you prepare
- What to expect at the adoption panel
- What happens next
Prospective adopters
We can provide you with independent information and advice on:
- What to expect following approval
- How long the matching and placement process may take
- Where to find further support and how to access it
- How to find your child or children
- Preparing for placement
- Financial and legal considerations
- Access to our add-on family finding service, Children Who Wait
Adoptive parents
As your journey as a prospective adopter ends with the placement of your child or children, another one begins, as an adoptive parent. We are here to support you with key milestones in your family's life and with any issues you may encounter. These include information, advice, training courses and individual support with:
The early stages
- How to tell your child about adoption
- Life story work
- Attachment
- Contact with the birth family
Key stages in your child's life
- Choosing a school
- Starting school
- Life in the classroom
- The challenges posed by social media
- Parenting teenagers
Specific issues
- Sensory integration
- Therapeutic techniques for specific diagnoses and behaviours
- Parent consultants and buddy mentors to help you through challenging times (additional paid-for service)
Make a difference
We'll make sure your voice is heard at government level to action change in adoption services, legislation and processes for the benefit of all adoptive children and families in the UK. We are the government's 'voice' for adopters so join in and add yours!
Choose your membership type
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Direct Debit |
Standard |
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Family Membership |
£50 |
£56 |
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Family-Finding Membership |
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All the benefits of Family Membership PLUS access to our Children Who Wait service |
£79 |
£85 |
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To add Children Who Wait service access to your existing Family Membership |
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£29 |
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Please contact the Membership team on 01295 752240 to arrange this upgrade |
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A leaflet explaining our membership and all the benefits
Join online today or complete and return your application form by post:
NOTE: If you wish to apply for access to our family finding service, Children Who Wait, you will also need to download, complete and send in the following form:
All forms can be sent to the email below or to the following address: Adoption UK, Units 11 and 12, Vantage Business Park, Bloxham Road, Banbury, OX16 9UX.
Contact the Membership team on 01295 752240 or at membership@adoptionuk.org.uk