What support can you expect?
A large amount. We’re aware of just how challenging it can be to adopt and we’ll make sure you’re supported from day one. In fact we’ll provide training and preparation courses before you even begin.
You’ll receive flexible support, tailored to your needs and those of your family. Respite care may be available if you need a break and you’ll be able to call upon a team of highly qualified, experienced social workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Should more complicated matters arise, we’ll make sure you have access to advice and guidance from medical, legal, educational and psychological specialists.
In short, the support you receive will be responsive, easily accessible and ongoing. Adoption is a long journey and we will be with you every step of the way.
TACT IAS offers…- A professional team of social workers, highly qualified and experienced in all aspects of adoption and fostering.
- An open and fair application process, which welcomes enquiries, and believes people from diverse backgrounds and with different life experiences become successful adoptive parents.
- Access to specialist advisors such a medical, legal, educational, psychological
- A support system that can be geared to you and family's needs, which can be flexible and change over time
- 24 hour, 7 day a week support
- A post adoption service for you and your family as and when you need it. This can include your own children, grandparents, and other relatives and friends if appropriate
- A training programme that meets you and your family's needs
- An understanding of adoption and how it can affect your family - we know there may be both good and bad times ahead
- A non-judgemental attitude, and a non-blaming approach if you have worries or problems
- Respite care if you need a break
- A regular newsletter to keep you in touch with any changes or developments in TACT IAS
Before you go to court and apply to adopt, we will discuss with you what post adoption support you feel is needed for you and your family. Some families feel they do not need support initially and they are welcome to come back to us as and when needed. Others wish to keep in closer touch with the agency. Many of the children now placed for adoption are older and have specific needs, and so there may be a need for support and advice over the years.
Such support can take many forms, and may include:
- Therapy
- Home visits
- Links with other families
- Social events
- Training
- Support groups
- Assessment for post adoption support
- Short breaks/outreach/respite care
- Newsletters
All adoption support plans will be written down, and can be changed and re negotiated over time. We will aim to make them fit you and your family’s needs wherever possible. And if we cannot provide what you need, we will help you to find a service that can. We can also act as advocates for you with other services and professionals if and when necessary.
TACT's support system means that there is someone available 24hrs a day, 7days a week, 365 days a year.
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 introduced the requirement for Local Authorities and Adoption Agencies to provide adoption support services. The regulations governing this are available from the TACT IAS Adoption Service, or you can look at www.dfes.gov.uk/adoption support regulations.
