Barnardo's New Families Colchester arranges and supports permanent placements through adoption and fostering, for children aged 0-16 years.

We also offer Onto Independence placements for children and young people aged 10 years plus, which are permanent foster placements. The project promotes contact between children and their families and has extensive experience in establishing contact agreements. We offer a comprehensive post-adoption service and are partners with Link Adoption Support Services.

The service also arranges short contract-based Bridge Foster placements. These work alongside foster carers, short break carers and local authority staff, to make plans for children and young people who, for many reasons, cannot live with their families of origin.