Features

Six steps to help improve adoption

12 mins read Social Care Children's Services
Around 3,500 children are adopted in the UK each year. To mark National Adoption Week, an expert explores challenges facing the adoption system in England and examples of good practice are showcased.
Ofsted’s review of regional adoption agencies found a regional approach led to improved practice and standards, particularly around adopter preparation and support - GORODENKOFF/ADOBE STOCK

Adoption offers children a pathway to stability, security, and a nurturing family environment when returning to their birth families is not feasible.

Research shows it helps reduce the risk of multiple care placements, has many emotional and psychological benefits, and leads to improved educational outcomes and better long-term outcomes all-round.

But despite these merits, adoption rates have declined in recent years due to a combination of factors. These include the significant disruption to the adoption process caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which has deterred many prospective adopters concerned about their financial capacity to care for a child with additional needs. They also lack confidence in the ability of over-stretched services for children with special educational needs or health problems to provide support when needed.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this