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ToolsFeast, Julia, Neil, Elsbeth, Jordan, Leonie and Beek, Mary (2025) Adoption: Access to Information and Intermediary Services: A Practice Guide. Centre for Research on Children and Families, UEA.
Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)Abstract
Adoption related research, practice and lived experience reported over the past century have shown that adoption is not a one-off event, but a lifelong process, with ongoing implications for all members of the adoption kinship network. Services for adults affected by adoption are an important element of addressing the range of needs expressed by adopted people, birth relatives and people with a prescribed relationship to an adopted person and ensuring that their legal rights are upheld. These services are characterised by a high level of specialist knowledge, skill and sensitivity on the part of the professionals involved. However, new challenges are emerging. The use of social media and DNA testing has become widespread amongst people in the adoptive kinship network who are searching for each other. Relevant interest groups from all parts of this network are expressing their views and feelings about adoption related issues. In addition, a new generation of young people, adopted after the legislative changes introduced in 2005, are reaching adulthood and seeking services that have been shaped by the new responsibilities placed on adoption agencies. Practice in this field, therefore, is evolving rapidly and this 2025 edition of the practice guidance has been written to reflect these changes. It includes updated material, although much of the content of the 2008 guidance remains relevant and is included. The guidance is not statutory and does not place duties on adoption agencies (AAs), regional adoption agencies (RAAs) or adoption support agencies (ASAs). It should be applied in the context of the relevant legislation and statutory guidance, which is referred to throughout. Throughout the process of revising this guidance, we have sought the views of three key groups of people: adopted people, birth relatives and adoption professionals – some of whom have participated via consultation groups established by the project team, others via interest groups. These people have been essential in ensuring, as far as possible, that the guidance reflects the range of dilemmas that this work involves for professionals and the range of needs and feelings experienced by people who seek services. We have aimed to reflect their views and experiences throughout. The rewriting of this practice guidance has been funded by Adoption England as part of the Improving Adoption Services for Adults (IASA) project. The guidance aims to support adoption managers, social workers, support workers and other professionals in the field to offer high quality services to all adults affected by adoption. The guidance applies to England only as the legal frameworks and management of adoption policy and practice in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are somewhat different.
| Item Type: | Book |
|---|---|
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Social Work |
| UEA Research Groups: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Research on Children and Families |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Dec 2025 15:30 |
| Last Modified: | 05 Dec 2025 15:30 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101296 |
| DOI: |
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