The Adoption Barometer

Adoption UK has published its Adoption Barometer, revealing that adopted children are twice as likely to not be in employment, education or training (NEET) as their peers, 16% of them have had contact with the criminal justice system and 39% have needed help from mental health services.

The report also shows that while advances have been made in the recruitment and preparation of adopters, government policies are still not addressing the heart of the challenges faced by adoptive families, and especially families with older adoptees.

Adoption UK surveyed about 3,500 families across the UK, asking them to reflect on their experiences during 2018. We also assessed national policy relating to adoptive families at each stage of their adoption journey. 

The report reveals that 79% of families would encourage others to adopt, despite the fact that 70% say they face a continual struggle for support.

The report’s author, Becky Brooks, said: “These are strong and optimistic families, improving the life chances of some of the UK’s most complex and vulnerable children. But for too many families, getting support to help their children overcome their tough start in life is like fighting a losing battle.”

We are calling for a radical new deal for adoptive families, which provides the support they need to help re-write their children’s futures. This includes detailed therapeutic assessments for every child before they arrive in their new family, with accompanying fully-costed support plans, to be maintained and updated into early adulthood.

You can download either the full report or the shorter executive summary by clicking the images below:

                                      Full Report                                                                                                            Executive Summary