What support will I get?

Before and after adoption, we will support you every step of the way.

Support groups and events

We run support groups for adoptive families, such as:

• single adopters
• same-sex adopters
• children’s groups

Our events include:

• coffee mornings
• summer fun day and Christmas party
• therapy groups and parenting programmes

To find out more, email adoption.training@essex.gov.uk

After-adoption support

We provide:

• counselling, information and advice on a range of issues linked to adoption, such as anger, self-esteem, identity, behaviour and attachment issues
• parenting support
• help for children to understand how they came to be adopted, through art, talking and play 
• support with contact between an adopted child and their birth family
• money, for example, for special care needs
• consultation and mediation with other agencies, such as schools and doctors

To find out more, call 0333 013 9847 or email post.adoptionteam@essex.gov.uk

Training

Throughout the process and after adoption, we have a range of training days and workshops available.

Our experienced social workers deliver high quality training. Adopters and applicants benefit from adding to their knowledge, as well as meeting other adopters and people going through the process to adopt.

The training courses available include:

• Theraplay
• life story work
• communicating and connecting
• friends and family
• the adopted child in school

To find out more, email adoption.training@essex.gov.uk

Education support

The following educational support is available:

• schools can claim the Pupil Premium Plus for any child who is adopted or under a Special Guardianship Order
• our Supporting Adopted Children in School (PDF, 863KB) guide helps adoptive parents and teachers work together
• 2-year-olds who are adopted or under a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order can have up to 15 hours free early education each week

More information and support

For more information and support, we recommend:

• First4Adoption is there to give you independent information about adoption. They also offer First Steps, a resource to help you get ready for adoptive parenting, and The Adoption Passport (PDF, 103KB), which outlines the support you and your child may be entitled to
• the government's Adoption Support Fund (ASF) helps families access quality therapeutic services without delay
• New Family Social is an organisation for LGBT+ adopters, who can have membership with New Family Social for the first three years