Support
We’re here to support anyone affected by adoption or special guardianship. Whether you’re an adopted adult, a birth relative, a special guardian, or an adoptive parent, we’ll help you find the right help and services that can make a real difference.
Support for Adopted Adults
Adoption can affect people throughout their lives. If you’re an adopted adult, you may want help understanding your past, accessing records, or reconnecting with birth relatives. Support is available to help you:
- Access your birth certificate and adoption records
- Talk through your experiences
- Reconnect with birth relatives
- Join peer support groups
Organisations like PAC-UK, Barnardo’s, Family Action, and Adoption UK offer counselling and advice.
If you were adopted from overseas, Coram’s Intercountry Adoption Centre can help too.
Visit our Adopted Adults page for full details, or contact the support team at your Regional Adoption Agency directly – we’re here to help.
Support for Adoptive Families
Adoption is a lifelong journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re facing challenges with parenting, education, emotional wellbeing, or practical issues, help is available.
Adoptive families can access support through their Regional Adoption Agency or some other specialist charities. You may be eligible for therapeutic services, financial support, including access to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, education help, and we highly recommend you connect with local peer support networks such as We Are Family or New Family Social.
We also offer downloadable guides for adopted children and young people to help them understand their story and know where to turn for support.
Visit our Adoptive Families page for full details and links to services available, or contact the support team at your regional adoption agency directly – we’re here to help.
Support for Birth Family Relatives
Childcare proceedings, child removal, adoption, and family separation can be deeply traumatic and emotional. If you’re a birth parent or relative, you’re not alone — support is available.
You can talk to someone, join a support group, or get help with writing letters. When the adopted child reached 18 years old you could receive advice on contacting them if you chose. Many services are free, confidential, and easy to access. Organisations that can help include:
- PAC-UK – Advice line, counselling, and First Family Service
- Barnardo’s – Therapy and reconnection support
- Family Action – FamilyLine helpline
- Pause – Support for women affected by (more than one) child removal
- Family Rights Group – Legal advice and guidance
- Mind UK – Mental health support
Visit our Birth Families page for full details, or contact the support team at your regional adoption agency directly – we’re here to help.
Support for Special Guardian
If you’re caring for a child under a Special Guardianship Order, you may be entitled to financial support, counselling, legal advice, and peer support — depending on the needs of your child, and your local council’s family and friends care policy.
The Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund provides funds of up to £3,000 per child per year to local authorities and Regional Adoption Agencies to pay for essential therapeutic services, following a support needs assessment by a social worker from your local authority.
Other support options include:
- Contacting charities like Kinship or Family Rights Group.
- Joining peer support groups to connect with other carers such as those listed on Kinship or SGO Support
Visit our Special Guardians page for full details, or contact the SGO support team at your local authority directly.
Getting the right help at the right time matters
Our experienced social workers will work with you to understand your needs and guide you towards high-quality support — so you and your family can thrive. Contact your regional adoption agency to get started.
Do you want to speak to someone?
Let us help you to find the advice you need