Adoption is a lifelong process that is rewarding; however, at times it can also be challenging. Children who have experienced a difficult and unsettled start to life benefit from extra, tailored support as they grow and develop. Your Regional Adoption Agency can support you to explore what support might look like for you and your family.

The Regional Adoption Agency within Local Authority who placed a child with their adoptive family have a statutory responsibility to assess adoption support needs for 3 years from the date of the granting of an Adoption Order. After 3 years, it becomes the responsibility of the Regional Adoption Agency within the Local Authority where the family are resident (if different).  

Children placed with their adoptive families, pre-Adoption Order. Children with Adoption Orders until the age of 21 years, or 25 years if they have an Education Health Care  Plan (EHCP). Adults over 18 years old wishing to access their Adoption Records. Birth Families members impacted by Adoption.

Adopt North East offer a check in service at 6 months and 12 months post adoption order. Following this, families are able to contact Adopt North East to explore support at any time up until a 21 years, or 25 years if the individual has an Education Health Care Plan.

A range of services is available within Adopt North East, including therapeutic support groups, peer support and specialist therapeutic intervention. The first step is contacting our Post Adoption Support Duty Team on 0191 6435000 to discuss your needs.

Adopt North East is responsible for completing Assessments of Adoption Support Needs to best understand the needs of your child and you as a family and if specialist commissioned support would be beneficial. The Adoption Support and Special Guardianship Fund provides up to £3000 per child annually for therapeutic support and/or specialist assessment.

No, neurodevelopmental assessments are not in scope using the ASGSF. CAMHS/CYPS in your local area are responsible for this assessment and on-going care. You can liaise with your GP in relation to this.

Adopted children are entitled to priority school access and Pupil Premium funding to help with their education needs. You can speak with your child's school about this and request support via your Local Authorities Virtual School.

Contact arrangements are decided in the child's best interest and understood wishes. Adopt North East and their Family Connections Team can help manage and support these arrangements.

Adoptive parents have the same entitlement as other parents to claim benefits, and Adoption Allowance is available to be explored as a means tested financial payment. Exploration into Adoption Allowance is the responsibility of the Placing Local Authority if financial support was discussed at the point of placement, and the responsibility of the Local Authority in which you reside if a new request. Adoption Allowance is subject to annual financial review.

In England, adults have the legal right to access their birth records at age 18. Our Family Connections team can support you to access your adoption records. The Adoption Contact Register also helps adopted people and birth relatives if both parties register.

Any formal court-ordered contact ends when you turn 18. Our Post Adoption Support service and Family Connections service can offer advice about any next steps if you wish to explore on-going contact with birth family.