Adoption In Crisis

Adoption is meant to give children a permanent home, but that is not to say that there will not be challenges. Children, and their families, continue to develop after an adoption order is granted. At times, challenges may emerge which requires ongoing or renewed professional support.

When we refer to “adoptions in crisis”, we refer to families who are facing challenges post-adoption. This is sometimes referred to as “adoption breakdown”. That terminology can at times be stigmatising and, in any event, is generally an oversimplification. With targeted and timely support, challenges can often be assessed, managed and potentially resolved before anyone gets to breaking point.

The application of the law around families post-adoption is an emerging area. Historically, limited data has been collected in respect of families post-adoption and – for a variety of reasons – there appears to have been under-reporting of challenges which families have faced post-adoption.

However, there is an increasing awareness of post-adoption issues. Our firm has been at the forefront of challenging the lack of awareness and lack of support offered to families post-adoption. This can include challenging local authorities which are unwilling to offer appropriate and necessary support.

Our firm has secured a range of outcomes for families in these situations, including securing the provision of supports which had previously been denied to our clients’ family, acknowledgement of failures to provide support, formal apologies, commitments to review existing policies and practices, and compensation.

Are you an adoptive parent whose family is facing challenges? Do you feel you are not being or have not been adequately supported by the local authority? If so, our team of specialist child protection solicitors can provide comprehensive guidance, bespoke to your situation. This is an evolving area of the law, and the wellbeing of you and your children is our top priority. Get in touch with our team today on 0141 778 9657 or complete our online enquiry form.