Fostering and adoption

Understanding the process of fostering and adoption can be quite overwhelming. Fostering and adoption can make a life-changing difference in the lives of children and young people. Whether you’re opening your home as a foster carer, becoming a kinship carer or considering adoption, your commitment can provide a stable, loving environment where children can thrive and feel valued. Our fostering and adoption section offers advice and support to help you navigate this journey. We have advice on fostering, adoption, tracing birth parents, residence and special guardianship orders. We also have guidance on talking to your child if they are adopted and adoption support.

Our fostering and adoption advice articles

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We're here for families

Navigating the process of adoption, fostering and guardianship orders can be stressful and overwhelming. If you need to talk, you can call us on our helpline on 0808 800 222, send us a message on WhatsApp on 07441 444125, talk to us via our live chat service or email us at askus@familylives.org.uk

We have a dedicated section on our forums on all topics related to family life. Our forums are a safe space if you would like to share issues or dilemmas with others who understand what you are going through. Our forums are moderated by our team of moderators who are trained to provide support to families.

How we can help

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Useful organisations

Adoption UK is a national charity run by and for adopters, providing self-help information, advice, support and training on all aspects of adoption and adoptive parenting. 

Coram BAAF is an independent membership organisation for professionals, foster carers and adopters, and anyone else working with or looking after children in or from care, or adults who have been affected by adoption.

PAC-UK provides support and advice to families regarding adoption including an advice line, training and more.