Factsheet - Adopting your step child - 2021 Expand A factsheet exploring everything you might need to consider when looking to adopt your stepchild. Factsheet - Adopting your step child 2021 - Download:
Factsheet - Adopting your foster child - 2021 Expand This factsheet explores the options for you as a foster carer, to adopt your foster child, what to consider and what might be involved. Factsheet - Adopting your foster child 2021 - Download:
Factsheet - Adopting as a single parent - 2021 Expand This factsheet summarises information relating to the journey of becoming an adoptive parent as a solo / single parent. Factsheet - Adopting as a single parent - 2021 download:
Who are the coordinators? Expand Our volunteers are adoptive parents (i.e. legally adopted their child or children). They are people with: enthusiasm; some time to spare and share; have a general interest in others; and an awareness of, and an interest in, developing their knowledge of adoption and related issues. What do they do? Our volunteers offer encouragement and support to people interested in adopting children, prospective adopters, approved adopters and adoptive parents. Through group meetings and family get-togethers, they provide the opportunity for prospective adopters and adoptive parents to get to know each other in their local communities. These opportunities to meet up and share experiences are invaluable to our members.
Support Group Coordinators Expand As a Group Coordinator you will have the scope to shape an annual programme to focus on what local adopters and adoptive families as asking for. Groups set up in partnership with local adoption agencies will have the benefits of that connection and additional resources. Some of our groups are run by individuals, some by two or more Group Coordinators. In return we offer specialist, role-focused training for you to help you to manage all aspects of the role, full and on-going support to set up and run your group, a framework and resources to make it easier to operate. Out of pocket expenses are also covered.
Media Volunteers Expand Share your story We frequently receive enquiries from the media wanting to interview adoptive families and prospective adopters Sharing your story is a great way to raise awareness about the joys and challenges of adoption with a wider audience. We are looking for all types of stories from prospective adopters at the start of the process to those who are several years into an adoption. Your story can be a positive one or focus on some of the challenges you've faced as an adopter. Find out more about becoming one of our media volunteers You can also email the team at [email protected]
Peer Mentors Expand What do mentors do? Mentors are there to give support, sharing of experience and encouragement to potential and experienced adopters as they move through the adoption process from assessment through to placement and beyond. Their goal is to help families through an emotionally challenging period so that they: Feel like someone understands them and is genuinely able to see from their perspective without judging them; Feel able to handle the trials and tribulations of the process and stick with it; Have a sense of confidence about what they are about to embark on – confident that they can access the support and information they need when they need it; To provide emotional support and encouragement for adopters To sign-post to local support To share experiences and successes to help adopters as they deal with transitions, contact issues, challenging behaviours and other challenges around their adopted children What skills and experience do you need? Mentors will bring their own adopter experience to the role and offer support and encouragement to adopters as they move through the adoption journey. We are looking variety of mentors with range of experiences and skills, for example, Interpersonal skills – able to listen and empathise, build relationships, convey information with sensitivity, can judge the mood of a situation and act accordingly. Knowledge of the adoption process - in your local area, knowledge of the adoption reforms nationally and how they apply locally, knowledge of the key sources of advice and information (including on entitlements) – able to point adopters to the information they need as and when they need it. Knowledge of common adoption challenges - regardless of personal experience, be able to talk about and empathise with common adoption challenges e.g. education, family & friends view on a child’s behaviour and parenting, contact etc.
Community Group Coordinators Expand Community Group Coordinators engage, manage, and facilitate virtual and/or face to face meetings and events for Adoption UK members and their families, whilst also building a local network of adoptive families and adult adoptees to form a supportive community. By bringing the experiences of adopters together we can from stronger alliances and facilitate meet ups and face to face activities proving valuable peer to peer support. Our Community Group Coordinators have personal experience of adoption as an adoptive parent, an adopted person, or have experience of adoption processes. What does a Community Group Coordinator do? Organise and hold meetings both virtually and face to face. Understand the issues facing adoptive parents and adult adoptees. Engage and help network local adopters and adult adoptees. Set up local events for local Adoption UK members. Cascade key information around adoption to local members Build a supportive community for local Adoption UK members
Specialist Community Group Coordinator Expand Specialist Community Group Coordinators engage, manage, and facilitate virtual and/or face to face meetings and events for Adoption UK members and their families, whilst also building a local network of adoptive families to form a supportive community within their specialist area. By bringing the experiences of adopters together we can from stronger alliances and facilitate meet ups and face to face activities proving valuable peer to peer support. Our Specialist Community Group Coordinators have personal experience of adoption as an adoptive parent, an adopted person, or have experience of adoption processes. What does a Community Group Coordinator do? Organise and hold meetings virtually Understand the issues facing the members of the specialist group Engage and help network members Build a supportive community Adoption UK members Share their knowledge and experiences with the group
Adopter Voice Chairperson Expand An Adopter Voice Chairperson, collects all the views from Champions, to write a report for the RAA making recommendations on a topic, based on the views from Adopters. An Adopter Voice Chairperson may attend the Reginal Adoption Agency (RAA) management boards to represent Adopter Voice, Chair the Adopter Advisory board (AAB) where Champions consider recommendations for the RAA reports, or host online Focus Forums to gather views directly from Adopters.
Adopter Voice Champions Expand Adopter Voice uses Champions, who are volunteers, to share the lived experience of adopters and their families with the Reginal Adoption Agency (RAA) to influence and review changes. An Adopter Voice Champion will hold a network of Adopters, gathered along their own adoption journey, in which to seek views from. Adopter Voice Champion’s may also hold networking events to seek views and share this anonymously with the regional Adopter Voice Chairperson.
Fundraising Volunteers Expand Our friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support the Fundraising Team with our fundraising activities. Each year the Fundraising Team are set an income target and aim to achieve this by carrying out various fundraising activities. Without the support of our amazing volunteers we would not be able to achieve this target. Being a Fundraising Volunteer is very flexible and provides the opportunity to help us out as little or as often as you feel comfortable with. Key tasks of a Fundraising Volunteer - Tasks within the Fundraising Support Group can be wide and varied. Typical roles can include one or many of the following: With support from the Fundraising Team, and your fellow volunteers, help to plan and deliver events and activities to raise funds and awareness Support the Fundraising Team with the events they are organising - your role may vary for each event; you could be greeting and registering participants, cheering on participants at challenge events, selling raffle tickets or Christmas cards,running a book/cake stall or tombola or serving refreshments, for example Help with admin – processing donations/information onto the fundraising database, photocopying, filing, writing letters, etc. Publicise fundraising events and activities within the local community Support collections and community fundraising events Pro-actively seek new opportunities to raise awareness and funds for AUK Give talks/presentations to local community groups and schools Where appropriate, attend Fundraising Group meetings Thank donors/supporters What we are looking for No formal experience is needed, as all necessary training will be given, but ideally you will: Be enthusiastic about helping to support AUK Be trustworthy and reliable Have excellent communication and team working skills Have the desire to find out more about the work of AUK Have flexibility and the willingness to volunteer Keep up-to-date with the work of AUK to represent the charity in a professional manner We would appreciate any time you are able to offer or Fundraising challenges you wish to take on. We would be delighted to discuss ongoing projects that might interest you, including administrative support. What we offer Members of the Fundraising Team will help and support you when volunteering You will be able to develop new and existing skills in areas such as fundraising, events, database and computer skills Fundraising is fun and rewarding and a great way of meeting new people You will be working as part of a dedicated and motivated team of volunteers You will have the opportunity to make a real difference to the adoption community Volunteers can claim all reasonable and previously agreed expenses (such as for travel or reimbursement for items purchased) Interested? Please contact the Fundraising Team at [email protected]
Anna Jaques Vice Chair Expand How did you become involved with adoption and Adoption UK? I became a Mum to my son in 2013 and while the road leading to and leading from that point was (and still is!) challenging, it remains the absolute pinnacle of my life choices. He brings me joy, he gives me grey hair and wrinkles, he makes me laugh, he makes me cry, but I wouldn’t change a thing! My son is now 15 and watching him grow and develop is a beautiful experience. Since he arrived, I have supported with information events and training for prospective adopters, written a children’s book about adoption and supported colleagues and friends who have started their own adoption journey. In 2024 I joined an adoption panel as an independent member. Any specific skills or areas of expertise relevant to the work of Adoption UK? When I am not Mum, my ‘day job’ is as a HR Director and combined with my adoption experience, I bring 20+ years of HR skills and knowledge to Adoption UK. I am also an accredited Coach. I am a passionate advocate for adoption, especially the adoption of older children and have a particular interest in life-story work and neurodiversity. I chair the People & Culture committee for AUK and am one of two Vice Chairs, supporting Mike in his role as Chair. How do you want to see Adoption UK develop over the next five years? I am really proud to be part of the Board of Trustees of Adoption UK at this point in the journey of this amazing charity. I would like to see our work influencing policy and funding decisions for our children. I think the communications we are sharing with the public, with educators, with politicians etc are very powerful. The experience of adopting is such a special one, unique to every child and every parent, but if we can share more stories with others, and advocate loudly for our children and their families, I would feel very proud in five years time.
Jordina Walker Advisor Expand How did you become involved with adoption and Adoption UK? (c. 100-150 words) I first came across Adoption UK when I saw the advertisement for the trustee role. Having seen friends go through the adoption process, it is clear that adoption is a life changing event which people need significant support going through. Adoption UK’s mission is one that I see as very important and is something that I can stand by and promote to ensure that adoptive families have the best support that they deserve. Any specific skills or areas of expertise relevant to the work of Adoption UK? (c. 150-200 words) From working as a solicitor for over ten years in financial services, I have significant experience in working in the corporate sector and I believe that the skills I have developed over this time can be used to benefit the work of Adoption UK. In particular, I developed an employee network for black, Asian and minority ethnic members of staff to help improve BAME’s staff’s experience in the company. My experience as a trustee in another charity has allowed me to learn about the specific issues of working with senior leadership in a charity and the nuances of the support, accountability and skill support that trustees provide. How do you want to see Adoption UK develop over the next five years? (c. 100-150 words) I have a keen interest in diversity and inclusion and am looking forward to working with the team to make impactful change in this area. In the coming years I am excited about the work that Adoption UK will do in providing more support and advocacy on behalf of BAME children and families to help to improve their experiences of adoption while becoming more widely known for the invaluable work that the charity is doing.
Sarah Coomber Administrative Officer Expand Sarah is the Administrative Officer for Adoption UK Cymru. She has worked with children and young people for over 10 years and has a degree in Information Communication Technology. Sarah is an adoptive parent and outside of work she spends her time as a busy Mum, taking her daughter to various clubs and activities, being outside at the park, organising various playdates and all the other joys that come with being a parent. Sarah also appreciates meeting up with friends and walking the family dog in her spare time.
Maribelle Designs Expand Maribelle Designs was created when I couldn’t find the right wedding stationary for my own wedding so I decided to make my own! I now make papercuts and printed personalised gifts and home décor. For example, cushions puzzles, keyrings, makeup and accessory bags, tote bags, Christmas decorations etc. If there is anything specific you are looking for please let me know Quote code ADOPTBIGGIVE at checkout & 10% of sales will be donated to AUK
Kate Hampton Peer Support co-ordinator - PATH Expand Kate is an adoptive parent and joined Adoption UK in Feb 2021 and is also a Parent Partner for the Tessa service. Kate has spent over 12 years working within the voluntary sector and was the Safeguarding Champion for a charity working with and supporting disabled adults and young people with learning disabilities. In her spare time, she manages her daughter’s increasingly busy social calendar.
The Flamingo Family Expand Children will love the wonderful characters Flossy and Frank Flamingo and Eddy Emu as they become a family together. These heart warming stories bring to life the important and emotional journey of adoption in a colourful, uplifting and honest way. Code ADOPTBIGGIVE - £1 from every book sale will be donated to Adoption UK