Adoption UK welcomes government proposals to remove barriers to support for adopted people and adopters

Adoption UK welcomes government proposals, published today, which seek to improve the availability and timeliness of adoption support, by removing the requirement for support providers to be registered with OFSTED in certain circumstances. Adoption UK’s Adoption Barometer report shows that 76% of adopters in England struggle to access the support they need.

The Department for Education’s consultation will seek views from the sector on two key proposals.

Firstly, they propose to exempt providers of adoption support services from the requirement for OFSTED registration where they are working under contract with an adoption agency. The second proposal is to exempt providers who are providing adoption-related counselling and therapeutic services to adults aged 18 and over.

Adoption UK CEO Emily Frith said: “These are welcome proposals which have the potential to remove some big barriers to adoption support for adopters and adopted people. But it’s vital that proper safeguards are retained to ensure those working with adopted people and adopters have the right skills and experience.”

Adoption UK has long campaigned for therapeutic services for adult adoptees to be exempt from OFSTED registration. The current rules mean many adopted people have trouble accessing suitably qualified therapists because the requirement to be OFSTED registered is a disincentive to providers.

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