Adoption is a lifelong journey and Barnardo’s will support you every step of the way, during the application and adoption process and in the years that follow. Many families need additional support and there are a number of services available to help as you and your child build your relationship.
Barnardo’s offers a range of support, and the right option for you will depend on your individual situation. When you get in touch with us we will work with you to identify your adoption support needs.
South East of England
If you live in the South East of England, you could benefit from one of a range of support services available as part of the LINK service.
Early Placement Therapy
Early Placement Counselling advises adoptive parents on how to create a successful attachment with their child. It helps parents to offer understanding, acceptance and empathy, providing strategies to support their child.
Attachment Focused Therapy
Attachment Focused Therapy supports parents and their adopted children to build strong attachments. Combining emotional support and practical recommendations, the approach centres on the relationship between the child and their parents. It helps to create an environment in which the child experiences safety, security and interdependence.
Reconnect Therapy
Reconnect Therapy helps to build bridges between children or young people and their adoptive parents, siblings and other family members. Participants are supported to improve communication and develop a better understanding of the issues they are facing.
My Life Therapy
My Life Therapy helps adoptive parents and their child to work together to understand their past and link it to the present. Using Attachment Focused Therapy, it allows children to feel more confident in their new home and enjoy a positive family life.
To find out more about the Link Adoption Support at Barnardo’s
If you would like any further information about LINK, or if you wish to make a referral for one of our services, please email [email protected]
Telephone: 01206 362 540
Office hours are Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Northern England
If you live in the North of England, you could benefit from Attachment Focused Therapy.
Contact Barnardo’s North East Adoption Service team:
Telephone: 01206 362 540
Office hours are Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Scotland
Many of these therapies are also available in Scotland.
Contact Barnardo’s Scottish Adoption Support Service team:
Telephone: 0141 419 4700
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
You can also find further information at Adoption UK
Tailored support for LGBT+ parents
Barnardo’s is a member of New Family Social Network, the UK’s peer support network for adopters and foster carers who are LGBT+.
When you adopt through Barnardo’s, you become a member of the NFS network meaning you’ll have access to dedicated online forums and a wealth of events held across the country – some for all the family and some are for the parents only.