Before you are matched with a child, an Adoption Support Plan will be agreed with you which will set out the support that will be available. The Adoption Service can offset some of the costs when your child moves in with you.

 

Before the adoption goes through, your adoption social worker will be there to support you. Don't hesitate to ask if there's something you are unsure of.

 

We run support groups for different groups of people eg twins group, single adopter's group. 

 

Your adoption social worker will continue to support you right up to the making of the Adoption Order. After that our Post Adoption Team is available if you need them.

 

You don't, of course, have to stay in touch with us but we recognise that adoption is a continuing process - family life is full of ups and downs.

 

All our newly approved adoptive parents are offered free membership of Adoption UK, an organisation run by and for adopters.

 

Adoption UK co-ordinates local support groups for adopters and our local adoption teams also organise get togethers for adopters close to home. It can really help to share experiences with someone who understands exactly what you're going through.

 

Adoption UK and ourselves organise local support groups for adopters around the county. We're also members of New Family Social - an organisation for gay and lesbian adopters.

 

Our adopters can take advantage of a comprehensive training programme which kicks in straight after approval as well as a regular newsletter which goes out to the adoption community in Essex.

 

Members of Adoption UK also receive a regular newsletter with details of events for adopters in Essex.