Adoptive Families
We recognise that adoptive families need support from time to time. Whether you began your adoption journey with Adopt London or not, we’re are here to empower and support adoptive families with a London connection.
Support across London
Adopt London offers support to adoptive families living in one of our 24 boroughs, as well as to those who were assessed or had a child placed by one of our boroughs within the last three years. If you’re not sure, find your local Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).
Sometimes, home life can become challenging for you or your child. If your family is feeling overwhelmed, uncertain or simply needs a listening ear, get in touch. We’re here to inform you, help connect you with your local adoption team and see if our support partners, professionals and community can help.
Membership groups and Adopt London support partners
A strong support network is everything for adoptive families. Our partners offer spaces to connect with other adoptive parents who can support you throughout your journey.
- We Are Family (WAF) is a peer-to-peer support community run by adopters, for adopters who offer online and in-person support in the form of parents’ groups, events, podcasts and much more. Recent webinars focused on education, supporting children with additional needs and adoption in the black community. Head over to the We Are Family page to find out more about your free membership and how you can access all these benefits.
- At Adopt London, we work closely with and are members of New Family Social (NFS), a charity run by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers. This means all LGBTQ+ families and individuals working with Adopt London can receive free membership. You’ll have access to podcasts, the annual camping trip and lots more.
- PAC-UK is a leading charity supporting those impacted by adoption. They offer specialist therapy, advice, counselling and training and have an education advice line available during term-time. For more information, please visit the PAC-UK website for child and family services, or visit their YouTube channel for a range of videos and webinars.
Adopt London North
Adopt London NorthAdopt London East
Adopt London EastAdopt London South
Adopt London SouthAdopt London West
Adopt London WestAdoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF)
We offer an assessment of needs to help you access funding for therapy for your child through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF). The ASGSF, funded by the central government, provides financial assistance to pay for therapeutic services such as counselling, play therapy and specialist interventions. This can make a real difference to your child and family. Please read the latest news about ASGSF funding, and if you feel this is for you, contact your local Regional Adoption Agency.
Your local Regional Adoption Agency
Our four London RAAs are made up of social workers from our 24 boroughs. Each RAA has a focus on post-adoption support, a team dedicated to keeping in touch with family members and workers able to support young people as they reach 18.
- We offer online and offline support, meet-ups for families and separate Saturday groups for children, and we encourage you to sign up to our newsletters and visit our news section to help keep you informed of what’s happening in the adoption sector in and around London and the UK. Our blogs and adoption stories share stories from people with lived experiences of adoption.
- We also run our very own Adopt London Choir, launched as a supportive, uplifting virtual space for adoptive parents, children and adoption staff in London. It offers social connection, emotional support and joy through singing – even if you don’t consider yourself a singer! To join, email our Choir Lead, Megan Tanner, at [email protected] with your full name and borough or RAA affiliation.
- Lastly, our Black Adoption Project hosts a pilot meet-up programme for our Black and mixed-race children to support and promote their identity and culture, giving them a chance to explore their heritage in a safe space.
A children’s guide to adoption
An online guide for foster carers, social workers & adopters
Find out more
Adoption stories
Hear real-life stories from our adopters, from settling in to life as adoptive parents
Find out moreAdoptive Families FAQs
How do I access Adopt London’s post-adoption support services? +
You can access our post-adoption support services via your social worker or post-adoption team. Contact your nearest borough and we’ll be able to direct you to someone who can help.
Can I still get adoption support, even if it’s been a long time since I adopted? +
Yes, adoption support is ongoing! Regardless of how long ago the adoption took place, there is support available to you. Contact us and we can help.
Is support available for birth children in the family? +
We’ll undertake a needs assessment based on your family. Adoption support is primarily to support the adopted children in your home, but there might be options that can support and benefit the whole family.
Can I get help with my child’s mental health or emotional needs? +
Yes, there is support available to help with a child’s mental health or emotional needs via the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF). This provides financial assistance to pay for support, including some essential therapeutic services. Find out more about the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund.
How can I access the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund? +
To access the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund, you should contact your local authority or Adopt London Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) and request an adoption support needs assessment.
After the assessment, your RAA (or your local authority) will apply to the ASGSF on your behalf within the timescale allowed. If you require this funding, we recommend you do not start therapy before your application has been approved. You can self-fund therapy if you wish. The fund then provides up to £3,000 per child per year for therapy or specialist assessment.
For more information on the ASGSF, please visit First4Adoption or the Gov.UK website.
Where can I meet other adoptive families? +
You can meet other adoptive families via us here at Adopt London, or via our partners. Check out the Adopt London Choir or explore the peer support groups run by We Are Family (WAF). New Family Social also offer opportunities to connect LGBTQ+ adoptive families & individuals.
I adopted from abroad - can I access support if I live in London? +
Yes, there is plenty of support you can access, including the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) if you adopted from abroad and live in one of our 24 boroughs. Access to the fund is subject to a needs assessment by your local RAA or local authority.
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