The support you and your child (or children) need will change over time and will be unique to you and your new family.
Our continuous support throughout your adoption journey means we will work in partnership with you from the beginning.
Support for adoptive families
There may be times throughout your child's life when you would find it helpful to talk to someone outside of the family about issues relating to adoption, for example:
- wanting some ideas about how to talk to your child about adoption
- needing advice on how to react to and cope with your child's feelings about his or her adoption
- concern about pre-agreed contact arrangements with birth family
We can offer:
- meet ups with other adopters and adoptive families
- groups and workshops to help explain adoption to your children
- support with contact arrangements
- discussion and support on any aspect of adoption, for example, your child's health and educational needs
- an assessment of your adoption support needs at any time until your child reaches the age of 18 (or 25 if they have special educational needs or a disability)
Our Adoption Team are happy to talk to you to discuss your individual support needs.
Please get in touch with us on 01234 718718 or email adoption@bedford.gov.uk.
Support for adopted adults
If you are an adult aged 18 and over, you can apply for access to information about your birth origins.
If you were adopted before 1975 you must speak to a local authority social worker or a counsellor from an approved adoption agency before you can apply to the General Register Office for a copy of your original birth certificate.
Visit GOV.UK's adoption pages for more information and forms.
We offer support to adopted adults who:
- live in Bedford
- were adopted through Bedford Borough Council (although contacting the Adoption Team in your own local authority who will liaise with us is a quicker process)
- have applied for their original birth certificate and have chosen Bedford as the place to have their counselling, and have informed the General Register Office of this research
Accessing information
If you decide you want access to information from your adoption file, we can help support you with:
- advice and information about how to access your adoption records
- advice about contact registers
- advice about searching methods
Support for birth relatives
Adoption has a profound effect on all birth family members. In recognition of this, we provide the following support services:
- independent counselling for birth family members
- support with contact arrangements
If you would like to access these services, please call us on 01234 718718 or email adoption@bedford.gov.uk.
Adoption Contact Register
The National Adoption Contact Register run by the General Register Office, is where the names of birth relatives can be placed to request contact with an adult adopted person.
Adopters Together Support Line
Following on from feedback from our adopter community we have launched the Adopters Together Support Line. It offers adopters in the East of England emotional support, understanding and real-life insight from people who’ve been there too.
Perhaps you’re navigating a tough school transition, coping with questions about identity, or simply feeling a bit isolated whatever you’re facing, a fellow adopter is just a phone call away.
You can call, email, or book a time that suits you to speak with one of our trained peer supporters. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed after a difficult day, unsure how to talk to your child about their story, or just need a friendly voice who truly gets it, we’re here.
Call on 01245 959594. The line is open Monday to Friday 11am-3pm, or you can book a call time that suits you between Monday to Thursday 7pm-9.30pm, or Saturday 9am-12pm.
Visit Adopters Together Support Line to find out more.
Pregnant and thinking about adoption?
If you are thinking about adoption for your baby, please contact us on 01234 718718 or email adoption@bedford.gov.uk for advice and support.