Adoption is a lifelong journey, and we're here to support you long after an Adoption Order has been made.
At Aspire Adoption, our experienced team of social workers, support workers and clinical psychologists can offer advice, guidance and support as your family grows and changes. We understand that adopted children and young people may have experienced early life challenges that can affect their relationships, emotions and behaviour. There may be times when you or your child or young person need additional support, and we're here to help.
The local authority that placed your child for adoption is responsible for assessing your adoption support needs for the first three years following the Adoption Order. After this, responsibility transfers to the local authority where you live.
Aspire Adoption provides adoption support services on behalf of BCP Council and Dorset Council. If you live within either area and are entitled to adoption support, our team can help you access the support that's right for your family.
Support is available to adopted children, young people and their families until the age of 21, or up to 25 if the young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
We also offer support to adopted adults and birth relatives affected by adoption, helping people maintain connections, access information and navigate the lifelong impact of adoption.
Our dedicated Adoption Support Team is here to support everyone whose life has been touched by adoption. We offer advice, guidance and support during office hours, helping individuals and families access the services that best meet their needs. Our team includes Aspire Adoption's Adoption Support Services Adviser (ASSA), who helps coordinate support and connect people with appropriate services.
Counselling, advice, and information to anyone whose life has been touched by adoption.
Social events and support groups for adoptive families including an annual picnic in the summer and party at Christmas; evening support groups for adopters, for adopted adults and for birth parents; coffee mornings for parents and their pre-school children; and activity events for adopted teenagers.
Ongoing training and access to parenting skills courses for adoptive parents.
Therapeutic services for adoptive families via our experienced and skilled staff, and externally via funding from the Adoption Support Fund.
Support to adopted adults who wish to access their birth and adoption records, and advice about tracing birth family members.
Support to birth relatives whose family members were adopted.
On behalf of both local authorities, Aspire manages all of the indirect exchanges of information (letterbox) between adoptive families and birth relatives and some direct contact arrangements, including those set up before July 2017.
Our Adoption Support Team are happy to help
Available during office hours on 0300 123 9868, email us at postadoptionsupportduty@aspireadoption.co.uk, or get in touch below.
