Tag: adoption

St Andrew’s Children’s Society: Virtual Adoption Information Event

WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER from 6 – 7.30pm

St Andrew’s Children’s Society is an independent adoption and fostering agency with offices in Leith and Aberdeen.

We are are proud to be taking part Adoption Week Scotland again this year and will be holding a Virtual Adoption Information Event on Wednesday, 27 Nov 2024 from 6pm to 7.30pm.

We’ll be joined by one of our adopters, who will tell you about their experiences of adopting and answer your questions.

At the Virtual Adoption Information Event our social workers will explain:

• What it’s like to adopt a child

• The different stages of the adoption process

We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you have about adopting a child.

Please sign up for the event on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/adoption-week-scotland…

Why adopt through St Andrew’s Children’s Society?

Here’s what some of our adopters have said about adopting through St Andrew’s Children’s Society:

“When we contacted St Andrew’s Children’s Society, they were very engaging, they reached out and were very welcoming right from the start. They were very clear about the full process and what’s required at both ends. As soon as that happened, we knew that St Andrew’s Children’s Society was going to be the agency that we were going to go for.”

“St Andrew’s Children’s Society make miracles happen every day, for the kids that need families, and the grown-ups that want to become parents.”

“The best thing about the agency definitely is the personal touch and knowing that they’re always going to be there to help with any queries or problems or questions and that’s been the case from day one.”

“The selfless support from this organisation is priceless, as is the dedication of its highly trained and intuitive staff.”

“I knocked on the door of the adoption and fostering agency St Andrew’s Children’s Society and they welcomed me with open arms and that was it. That was the start of my adoption journey.”

We welcome enquiries from all members of the community including single people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people who follow a faith and those who don’t. We help people to adopt who live within a 60-mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin.

If you would like to speak to someone about adopting, please call 0131 454 3370.

Family Action announces new support for those affected by adoption before it’s too late

Family Action announces the expansion of its FamilyConnect service, managed by the country’s largest adoption support agency PAC-UK, to support people affected by adoption and to help reunite families before it is too late. 

FamilyConnect was launched by national charity Family Action in 2020 and is delivered by its adoption support agency, PAC-UK. The online resource was developed to support people looking to find out about their history, their family members and to gain understanding about why they were separated from their birth family. 

With funding from Adoption England, FamilyConnect will now provide a funded intermediary service for adult adoptees, and birth parents/relatives who were affected by adoption pre-1976, and who wish to reconnect with each other. The service has also been expanded to offer a specialist telephone advice line and additional online resources for birth parents/relatives and professionals.  

Sir David Holmes CBE, CEO of Family Action said “I am proud to be able to announce the launch of this enhanced support from FamilyConnect and I am grateful to Adoption England for the additional funding that has made this possible.

“We know from the number of enquiries we receive that there is a huge need for good quality and accessible adoption support services, and we have seen huge demand for the support provided by FamilyConnect since we launched the service four years ago. 

“I am delighted that we are now able to offer even more support and practical help before it is too late for many families. I hope that this positive investment in FamilyConnect will pave the way for further investment in vital adoption support services, like this, in the future.” 

Birth mother Jill Killington was reunited with her son following a forced adoption in 1967. Jill said: “The services available through FamilyConnect are extremely important to support families disconnected by the adoptions of the past to navigate the often-emotional journey of reconnection and reunion.

“Adoption for so many birth parents and adoptees inevitably leave scars – some we can hope to heal, sadly others might take a lifetime to bear.  It is still painful.   

“Time is not on our side.  Many birth mothers are now in their late 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond.  And very sadly many will end their lives still being affected by their terrible loss, unless they and their children receive the support they deserve and need to make that first step to recover from the trauma of the past.” 

FamilyConnect is an 18-month pilot that includes, intermediary services for adoptions that took place between 1949 and 1976*1, (subject to eligibility criteria being met), a specialist telephone advice line on services and funding available, and new online resources for birth parents/relatives and professionals. 

Emma Crowther-Duncan, North Adult Services Regional Manager at Family Action/PAC-UK, said: “For people to have access to funded intermediary services, through FamilyConnect, will help those people who were not able to access this service previously, due to cost.

“FamilyConnect helps remove a barrier that shouldn’t exist and allows people the freedom of choice, it sends the message that “we are invested in you, your story and your future”.  

Jill Killington concludes: “We can never change the past, but hopefully with FamilyConnect, there is much-needed support for those affected by adoption both now and in the future.” 

FamilyConnect was originally developed with the insight and leadership of experts Sir David Holmes CBE, Julia Feast OBE, University College London’s MIRRA project and the Care Leavers’ Association.   

For more information, including current advice line opening times:   

Visit: www.familyconnect.org.uk   
Email: FamilyConnect@pac-uk.org   

Phone: 0300 1800 205   

Napier student lands dream role following difficult start to life

Jade Lindsay graduated Business Studies with Human Resources Management this summer at Edinburgh Napier University Business School. Jade was adopted at the age of three and is the first person from her birth family to complete school and go into higher education. 

After completing her SQA Highers and unfortunately not getting the results she needed to pursue her dreams of becoming a vet, she had to rethink her choices. Jade decided to go on my world of work, a website that helps people discover a career that matches their skills.

After completing the different skill and personality tests, Jade said she was given a new purpose as she was recommended to pursue a career in Human Resources. Jade applied to Edinburgh Napier for their business and HRM degree and got an unconditional offer.

Jade said: “I was adopted at the age of three with a very difficult start to life and was the first person in my birth family to complete all of school and enter into higher education, which was a huge achievement.

“During my years at Napier University I have experienced lots of support and made lifelong friends. Over Christmas 2021, I applied to many graduate jobs and recorded many interviews as I looked forward to life after university.

“After completing my last lot of exams in May, I received the news that I was invited down to Bristol for an assessment centre for GKN Aerospace, a global organisation which leads the aerospace technology industry. 

“I was one of only 3 business students out of over 400 applicants to get to the final stage of recruitment.

“I was successful in my endeavour and I have now accepted an offer of a position in the 27 month HR graduate programme which includes 2 global placements and specialisation in one of the HR departments at the end of the programme.

“I will be starting my new chapter in September and I look forward to graduation.”

This year’s ceremony saw over 2,000 students graduating from the university’s 6 schools.

Adopt instead of shop this Holiday Season

This year due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns pet ownership has soared and many charities are warning would be pet owners to consider adopting or rescuing a pet this holiday season rather than shopping for one from an online breeder. 

Sadly, the RSPCA has reported that in 2020 there has been a sharp increase in pet abandonments and the charity, like many other pet charities, has concerns that these numbers will continue to rise.  Perfect-Pets Books looks at the growing number of pet abandonments and the crisis of re-homing that charities face due to the Pandemic.

Perfect-Pets Books have a variety of essential guides full of practical information to help owners and potential owners provide the best care possible for their furry friend. Why not give a book as a present for Christmas? Visit:perfect-pets.org to browse the full catalogue. Get a 20% discount off any Perfect-Pets book enter Perfect20OFF at checkout.

This year the rise in pet ownership has been complicated by the Coronavirus pandemic. A recent report by Letterone has found that during lockdown a staggering 41% of current pet owners got a new pet, 95% were existing pet owners who got another animal and 5% did not previously own a pet before the lockdown. Some of these pets would have been bought from online breeders with little research done about the breed or the breeder.

According to research by the Kennel Club, the coronavirus crisis has led to a surge in puppy ownership across the UK. 

Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at the Kennel Club said: “There is unprecedented demand. Normally, I get one or two inquiries a month but now it is four or five a day.”

“We do have concerns about those puppies which may have been bought on impulse, without owners doing their homework on how or where to get a dog responsibly, or fully realising a puppy is a new family member for life, not a short-term commodity.”

Although there has been a great surge of interest in pet purchases charities have equally noticed an increase in pet abandonments. 

RSPCA’s chief inspector for Cambridgeshire reported a dramatic rise in pet abandonments in her region. She said: “We’ve seen 30% of our usual annual total for abandoned animals in just three months.”

As the UK braces itself for the full economic impact of the pandemic, Dogs Trust is warning we could see a sharp rise in the number of dogs being given up or put to sleep if families struggle to cope with the resulting hardships of the crisis. 

The Trust estimates that up to 40,000 more stray or abandoned dogs will be in need of help, especially if – as economists indicate – the country sees a financial crisis on par or worse than the crash of 2008.

Meanwhile, the RSPCA has reported that it is experiencing a “cat crisis” due to Coronavirus and lockdown restrictions. During the first lockdown the charity took more than 600 felines into care, which is more than any other pet. More than 7,000 cat related incidents have been reported to the charity’s hotline since lockdown measures began.

Cats Protection has had some success re-homing its abandoned cats. The charity reported that it has re-homed about 2,400 cats since it began its new “hands-free homing” process during the first lockdown.

The number of cat and dog abandonments reported are staggering and they do not account for the vast array of pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs who are also being abandoned. Many charities are asking potential buyers during the Christmas season to consider re-homing or adopting instead of shopping for a new puppy or kitten.

Even for those not looking for a pet simply offering a donation to support the work of charities such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection can help during these difficult times.

For any potential dog owners looking to adopt Rescue Dogs the Essential Guide by Perfect-Pets Books offers clear and precise information about how to adopt and make your home a safe and comfortable environment for a new dog. 

Cat Care the Essential Guide is useful for any cat lovers who want to rehome a cat or simply provide a happy home for a new feline friend.

To Learn more about Perfect-Pets Books visit: www.perfect-pets.org.

Sibling relationships headline Adoption Week Scotland 2020

Adoption Week (16-20 November) celebrates adoption in Scotland and this year asks prospective adopters whether they could adopt a sibling group?

More than 1,300 children placed for adoption since April 2018 across the UK have been separated from birth siblings, it was reported earlier this year*.

Children requiring care away from their birth families are more likely to have existing sibling relationships and they also tend to come from larger sibling groups. Sibling groups of three, or more, are at greater risk of being separated, to achieve permanence through adoption. In fact, in Scotland at this moment in time there is not one adopter approved to adopt three, or more children.

Fiona Aitken, Adoption UK’s Scotland Director, said: “Sibling relationships are amongst our longest lasting relationships and contribute greatly to our sense of identity. 

“Positive sibling relationships can provide a source of resilience for children facing adversity and provide continuity at a time of change and uncertainty. They can also be a source of support into adulthood. Placing siblings together has been associated with increased wellbeing and stable, enduring placements.”

“If you are a prospective adopter, please do consider whether you could adopt a sibling group. Be open to being approved for more than one child to enable a younger sibling(s) to join your family.

“Adoptive families can also help to maintain sibling relationships between their child/ren and their brothers and sisters wherever they are. This can be in person, through visual media, cards, letters, pictures or photographs.

Mrs Aitken continued: “The ideal scenario is for children to experience normal family life. Can they meet up with siblings at the park, at the beach, at each other’s homes? Can they have sleepovers? Can this be arranged between families? You can start by discussing this with your social worker.”

A siblings’ webinar (17th, 7pm-830pm), on how to maintain relationships between brothers and sisters, will be chaired by Kate Richardson, Manager of Scotland’s Adoption Register.

Adoption Week Scotland will also shine a light on both therapeutic parenting and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is a range of physical, emotional and developmental deficits or delays that may affect a person when they were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.

Highlights of the week include Training from Dr Karen Treisman on Therapeutic Parenting (16th, 19:30-21:30); an FASD Webinar (18th, 6.30pm-7.30pm) for prospective adopters; and Insights into FASD (17th, 1pm-3.30pm), a training session for professionals working with families affected by FASD.

There will also be a live Q&A event with Children’s Minister Maree Todd, (18th, 11am-1pm), tackling the ‘wicked issues’ in adoption; a welcome and information event (15th, 7pm-830pm) suitable for anyone considering adoption; as well as a legal Q&A with Rhona Pollock, AFA Scotland’s legal advisor (19th, 7pm-8pm).

Robin Duncan, Director of AFA Scotland, said: “In the midst of everything else that has been happening in 2020, Adoption Week is a great reminder that some children continue to need care and protection, and to acknowledge the crucial opportunities that adoption can offer.

“People who have been adopted often speak passionately about the importance of being able to keep relationships with people who are important to them, and we hope that this year’s focus on siblings will help ensure brothers and sisters can live together and keep these links wherever possible.”

Children’s Minister Maree Todd added: “Those of us with brothers and sisters know the importance of those relationships. For children who have experienced change in their lives, maintaining those bonds can be invaluable and, along with Adoption UK Scotland, I encourage prospective adopters to consider sibling groups.”

Adoption Week Scotland 2020 is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by AFA Scotland and Adoption UK Scotland. It is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the best of adoption with awareness-raising, information sessions and social events.

Further details about all of the events during Adoption Week Scotland 2020 can be found here.

600 adoption matches made

Milestone reached as adoption support website launched.

Six hundred matches have been made between children in care and prospective adoptive parents since 2011 – the equivalent of more than one a week.

The milestone comes after the 600th young person was matched with adopters via Scotland’s Adoption Register.

The Register is an online database which facilitates matching between looked after children and prospective adopters. Established in 2011, the Register acts a central point for local authorities ensuring prospective adoptive parents go through a robust and supportive matching process in order to best meet the needs of both the child and their potential families.

A new website from Adoption UK Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government, has also been launched which offers key advice and guidance for current and prospective adoptive parents.

Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd said: “We know that adoption has the potential to completely change the direction of a child or young person’s life by providing them with a loving, supportive and permanent home and family.

“Reaching this milestone means that there are 600 fewer children in care, having been placed with families who offer the most supportive and stable home they possibly can.

“We now know more than ever before about what it takes to ensure adoption matches are successful and our new website will act as a vital portal for current and prospective adoptive parents.

“The website is the first online resource in Scotland to provide a single point of information for prospective adopters, adoptive families and professionals working within the adoption sector – ensuring that the guidance and support they need pre and post adoption is available to them. I would encourage anyone with an interest in adoption to visit the site and find out more.”

Robin Duncan, Manager of Scotland’s Adoption Register, said: “The Register is all about helping find families for children when it has been decided that adoption gives them the best chance of growing up in a safe, secure and loving home.

“The statistics are less important than the stories of the children and families involved, but the milestone of 600 matches is a really heartening sign of how well the Register is working and how it continues to create good solutions for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”

Parents Stevan and Denis, who have been through the adoption process, said: “We started our adoption journey 5 years ago. We went through the numerous stages of the process: preparation group, home study and then onto our approval panel.

After approval, the family finding started. Using a portal such as Scotland’s Adoption Register was at times tough due to the huge amount of children that are profiled but it did lead to us finding our two little boys and we fell in love at the first glance of their profile!

“The next step was meeting our sons, which was a huge bag of mixed emotions. The first day of introductions with the boys went amazingly well, we only got to spend a few hours with them but being called Dad and Daddy for the first time brought tears to our eyes! The remaining days of introductions flew by and before we knew it we had our boys home and family life began.

“After a while parenthood started to become more natural to us and routines were put in place which quickly helped the boys thrive and we haven’t looked back since. Every day we count our blessings to have two gorgeous, happy boys. Adoption was everything we could have of hoped for and more! Even through the tears, tantrums and sibling squabbles, we wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Last year the Scottish Government continued its efforts to improve the adoption process for everyone, by provided more than £500,000 directly to adoption stakeholders:

  • £240,000 to St Andrews Children’s Society to maintain and expand Scotland’s Adoption Register
  • £98,000 to AFAS to maintain services to professionals and practitioners in the adoption sector
  • £75,000 to Adoption UK (Scotland) to provide a national helpline and support for adoptive families in Scotland
  • £55,000 per annum to Birthlink in order to provide and maintain the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland£40,000 to St Andrews Children’s Society to support adoptive families, both during and after the adoption process

Scotland’s Adoption Register is funded by the Scottish Government and currently hosted by St Andrew’s Children’s Society.

The Register has a remit to facilitate family finding across Scotland with the aim of increasing the numbers of children that are placed for adoption and to make the linking and matching process work as well as possible for children and prospective adopters.

See Adoption UK Scotland’s new website.

Children’s charity celebrates Adoption Week Scotland

Children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland is supporting Scottish Adoption Week, running from 20 – 26 November, celebrating adoption in Scotland; raising awareness; dispelling myths and encouraging prospective parents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to come forward. Continue reading Children’s charity celebrates Adoption Week Scotland

Scotland’s Adoption Register – new website launched

Families found for vulnerable childrenfamily

Vulnerable children are finding adoptive families faster thanks to an improved system for matching prospective parents with youngsters from across Scotland. The new improved website for Scotland’s Adoption Register was launched yesterday.

Innovations to the site – which is run by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government – will help to involve prospective adopters and social workers more directly in the process of finding families for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.

The website will build on the progress the register has already had in matching children and prospective adopters. The number of referrals to the register is continuing to grow – and more importantly the number of confirmed matches is increasing at an accelerating pace.

The milestone of 150 matches made was passed in January.

By sharing information more effectively the website will make an important contribution to the process of quickly finding the right match for the children who need adoptive families.

Robin Duncan, Scotland’s Adoption Register Manager said: “There are frustrations about how long the adoption process can take and of how difficult it can be to find families for all the children who need them, but we are very excited by the opportunities the re-launched website brings and the innovations to the Scottish Register will help speed up the matching process to find families for all the children who need them.”

Fiona McLeod, Acting Minister for Children, said: “These improvements to the new website reflect the growing success Scotland’s Adoption Register has had in finding secure, stable and loving homes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.

“The website will arm prospective parents with the information and advice they need to go forward. It is also a great practical resource for social workers who are key in helping to make placements between children who are suitable for adoption and prospective adopters in Scotland.

“When you are dealing with something as deeply personal and life-changing, it is so vitally important to have the necessary information available and in a format as straight forward as possible. This website will enable this to happen as well as assist social workers to provide all the necessary support required.”