William Eichler 02 July 2019

Adoptive families ‘fighting losing battle’ for support

Adopted children are twice as likely not to be in employment, education or training (NEET) as their peers, according to the first ever UK-wide assessment of adoption.

The charity Adoption UK today published The Adoption Barometer which recorded the experiences of 3,500 adoptive families across the UK.

While it found that adopted children are comparatively less likely to be in NEET, 16% of them have also had contact with the criminal justice system and 39% have needed help from mental health services.

Adoption UK said that the Government was still not addressing ‘the heart of the challenges faced by adoptive families, and especially families with older children.’

Three quarters of adopted children have suffered significant violence, abuse or neglect in their birth families, with a lasting impact that extends into early adulthood and affects life chances.

The Adoption Barometer found that 70% of adoptive families say they face a continual struggle for support from the Government when it comes to taking care of adopted children.

Around 65% of parents experienced violence or aggression from their child.

Despite the lack of Governmental support, 79% of families still said they would encourage others to adopt and 84% of prospective adopters said their social worker supported them through the process of approvals and matching.

‘These are strong and optimistic families, improving the life chances of some of the UK’s most complex and vulnerable children,’ said the report’s author, Becky Brooks.

‘But for too many families, getting support to help their children overcome their tough start in life is like fighting a losing battle.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner