Adoption Support
Giving help and support to adoptive families parenting traumatised children is at the heart of all of Adoption UK’s work. Through a Helpline, Online Community, giving access to information, and helping you build links with other adoptive families, both in your area and elsewhere in the UK, we have a comprehensive range of support services to offer our adoptive parents.
Adoption UK Helpline
Staffed by a team of dedicated Helpline Advisers, our helpline offers up to date information and support.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Calls cost 5p per minute at all times. To speak to an Adoption UK Helpline Adviser dial 0844 848 7900* alternatively:
Contact the Helpline now (opens in new window)
Online Community and message boards
Comprehensive information about the world of adoption, articles and features on a huge range of adoption issues.
Search our e-Library for articles on anything from autism to claiming tax credits, take some time out with our popular competitions, and find help and support 24 hours a day on our hugely successful Message Boards.
Local Support Groups
Run by a team of Volunteer Coordinators, support groups are located across the UK. Groups are friendly and welcoming, open to all Adoption UK members, whether you adopted ten years ago, or are in the process now.
Each group is unique, offering opportunities to meet, share support and build friendships with other adopters in your area, through events such as evening discussion meetings, coffee mornings, social events and family fun days.
Family Support Service
Whether you’ve just had a child placed and just want someone to talk to who understands, or you’re going through a difficult time, Adoption UK’s Family Support Service can help. For adopters with newly placed children, or for those later on who just want a bit of extra support, a Buddy can make all the difference, while for families who are struggling our Parent Consultation Service offers an enhanced level of support.
Adoption UK’s mixed media library contains more than 500 books, videos, tapes and therapeutic games covering a range of adoption and fostering issues. These can all be lent free of charge (excluding postal charges) to Adoption UK members. Browse the Online Catalogue now...
Family Days
We understand how important it is for adoptive families to be able to meet with other adopters to share experiences and reach out to each other for support and guidance. Our family days bring adoptive families together, providing children with a day of fun and learning.
Publications
Our bimonthly magazine includes current information and news, book reviews, letters and articles about real life experiences of adoption, and the latest ideas from parents and the conference circuit.
The latest word on therapeutic parenting, Adoption Now and Adoption Now 2 contain invaluable articles on all aspects of adoption, including practical strategies from parents and therapists.
Other publications include Oh Brother! to help adopters with birth children explain adoption to their children; and Adoption Law for Adopters.
Training
Adoption UK runs a range of workshops including Contact, School and Education issues and Parenting Adopted Teenagers, all run by experienced adoptive parents.
Our acclaimed 'It’s A Piece of Cake parent support programmes offers a fresh approach to parenting hurt children and allows parents to explore their own expectations and share new and creative parenting strategies.
*Adoption UK has dedicated helplines for adopters living in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
- Northern Ireland: Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm 028 9077 5211; Wednesday 8pm to 10pm 0844 848 7900
- Wales: Monday to Friday 11am to 1pm 02920 232221