First interactive adoption support map launched for birth families

Social workers have led on the development of an interactive map to allow families to search for adoption support services in their area using their postcode.

The tool is hosted on the Family Rights Group (FRG) website, which says that finding this assistance to navigate the adoption process, to understand their rights and options, and discover what support is available at each stage, has a significant impact on birth families.

The map also hopes to shine a light on areas in England where there are gaps in provision.

The map was developed over the past year by a social work team gathering data on the services available to birth families across England and working with members of FRG’s Parents Panel and web developers.

Pam Ledward, Principal Social Work Adviser at Family Rights Group, said that their specialist national advice service regularly hears ‘heart-breaking examples’ of families left to navigate the adoption process alone.

“Too often, birth families affected by adoption struggle to access the support they need.

“The support available to families in these situations can vary from area to area. It can also have a significant impact on the outcome for the children involved. For example, therapeutic support is often cited in family court proceedings as a necessity if a parent whose child has been adopted is to safely keep subsequent children at home. Unfortunately, such support may either not be available, or the parent may not know how or where to access it.”

Katie, a member of Family Rights Group’s parents panel, said when two of my children were adopted, she couldn’t find any support.

“I searched everywhere and felt alone. This new map will help birth parents like me, and other relatives, find support and information in our area when we need it. I and other parents have provided our input to make sure the map is useful to others in our situation.”

Funding for the project has been provided by Adoption England – a collaboration of regional adoption agencies.

Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead at Adoption England, said the map gives a better picture of what services for birth families are available where, and how to access them.

“We now need to make sure that birth families know about this map.

“This map will also be useful for professionals working with families to help understand the support provision available in their region and local area.

“At a time when birth family members may not know who or where to turn to for help and support, this map is certain to change lives.”