Adopters for Adoption (AfA) is a national voluntary adoption agency, founded in 2014 by people with first-hand experience of adoption. It was established to improve how adopters are recruited, prepared, assessed and supported. Since then, we have worked closely with local authorities across the UK to provide adopters with opportunities to adopt children, and today we continue to build on this vision by putting both children waiting for adoption and prospective adopters at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to delivering a transformational service that offers a positive and rewarding experience for both children and adopters.
As an agency, we strive to create loving, stable and well-supported families by providing a positive and welcoming experience. We prepare, train and support adopters throughout their journey, recognising the importance of an individualised approach and embracing diversity.
We are dedicated to increase the numbers of adopters for children who often wait the longest, including Black children, children over four, sibling groups and children with disabilities. We also recognise that many people are put off adopting due to the perceived complexity and length of the process, as well as common misconceptions about eligibility. We are committed to making the experience more accessible, positive and transparent, while raising awareness and challenging these myths.
Our team of experienced adoption social workers draw staff on the latest research and best practice to guide adopters from the start of their journey and provide lifelong support to help increase adoption rates and achieve successful outcomes for both children and those looking to adopt.
Specialism
As part of Polaris, one of the UK’s largest communities of children’s services providers, we bring together over 37 years of experience in achieving exceptional outcomes for children and families through fostering and children’s services.
Our community of providers spans the entire UK, enabling us to fully support children and families through a wide range of services, experienced teams with strong local connections, and the combined strength, stability and impact of our entire community.
Adoption Support
We offer extensive support throughout your adoption journey.
Following approval our dedicated Adoption Placements Manager and your social worker will guide you through the family finding process, helping you to discover the child/ren that are best suited to you and your family.
During the introduction period and the weeks following your child moving in, you will receive a high level of help and reassurance. Ongoing assistance will then be tailored to your assessed and agreed needs. Regular visits and reviews with social workers will help identify any additional ways we can help you and your adopted child right through to the adoption order and beyond.
Our trained adoption support team provides tailored family support once your child has moved into your home. This includes practical advice and resources, support groups and workshops, as well as telephone support, including an out-of-hours service.
We also offer therapeutic support and counselling in the form of Adoption Support Surgeries to help adoptive families during what can sometimes be a challenging period of adjustment.
As part of the Polaris community, we have access to a wide range of resources and professionals, enabling us to continually improve our services and enhance the support we provide.
Throughout your journey, in addition to ongoing support from your social worker, you will have opportunities, such as organised social activities to meet other prospective adopters, as well as families who have already adopted with us. Building a network of people with shared experiences can be invaluable.