We offer support, advice, information and counselling to people who:
We run groups for birth mothers, for adopted children together with the Youth Service, and we help with training, support groups and conferences for adoptive parents.
Nottinghamshire's adoption service has linked up with the national self-help organisation Adoption UK (website: www.adoptionuk.org) and together we run support groups for all Nottinghamshire adopters in various locations in the county.
We can also offer advice on assessments for adoption support and education and health issues for adopted children.
Our team includes experienced social workers, a psychotherapist and a counsellor, offering support to adopted people and birth relatives who have an adoption connection with Nottinghamshire as well as various support packages for adoptive families experiencing difficulties. Our services are available to people who live in Nottinghamshire, or whose adoption was arranged by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Keeping in touch
We run a 'letterbox' scheme which allows adopters, adopted people and birth relatives to keep in touch. We help adopted adults to access their adoption records and we help them to search for birth relatives if they want to. We help birth families trying to find information about their adopted relatives.
We also produce an annual newsletter for everyone on our mailing list. Download a copy of the latest edition July 2011 [PDF].
We have produced various leaflets that explain support services for adoptive families, adopted adults and birth relatives. Contact us to get copies.
Post Adoption Linking Scheme (PALS)
We have a Post Adoption Linking Scheme (PALS), which gives adopted children and young people the opportunity to make a relationship with an experienced worker.
PALS provides support for children and their families if they are having problems and can offer care in the home or activities outside the home. We can arrange for you to have an assessment for this service.
If you would like to know more about the scheme contact the PALS co-ordinator Alyson Pinske on 01623 437 226 or e-mail alyson.pinske@nottscc.gov.uk.
Adoption Support Service Advisors
All local authorities must have an Adoption Support Services Advisor (ASSA) whose role is to provide advice and information to all parties involved in adoption.
In Nottinghamshire the ASSA role is handled by one of the adoption managers who explores the level of support required when there are other agencies involved, for example when children are placed by another agency with families who live in (but have not been approved by) Nottinghamshire.
The ASSA can also help to direct people to other services they may need. If you live in Nottinghamshire this would involve our Support After Adoption service.
