At PACT, we help create families through adoption every day. But our support doesn’t stop once a child is placed. We’re here for our families for life, offering a wide range of post-adoption services designed to help parents and children thrive, no matter where they are on their journey.
Why is adoption support and preparation training essential for adoptive families?
Adoption preparation training helps prospective adopters understand the needs of children waiting for adoption, many of whom have experienced loss, trauma, abuse, or neglect. These early experiences can affect a child’s development and behaviour, and every adopter should be prepared to help their child make sense of their life story.
While some families may feel equipped to manage these challenges on their own, others may need additional support. That’s where PACT comes in.
Our commitment to lifelong adoption support
We recognise that every adoptive family is unique, and that support needs can change over time. Whether it’s reassurance during a transition, therapeutic help, or simply a space to connect with others, PACT offers a comprehensive suite of services:
🌐 Children and Trauma Community Hub (CATCH)
A free, online platform available to all PACT adopters, Children and Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) offers webinars, eLearning, forums, webchat peer support, and a library of resources. It’s a safe, confidential space to seek advice and connect with others – any time, day or night.
🤝 Adopter Champions
Our Adopter Champions are experienced adoptive parents who offer peer-to-peer support and insights into understanding children’s behaviours and needs. Their lived experience can be a valuable source of guidance and encouragement.
🧠 Strengthening Families Team
PACT’s in-house team of therapeutically trained social workers provides advice and support before and after placement. Whether it’s bonding and attachment, school transitions, or family changes, our Strengthening Families team are here to help.
🎨 Family and Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS)
Our Family and Children Therapeutic Support (FACTS) service offers clinical assessments and therapies including Theraplay, art, play and drama therapies, therapeutic life journey work, and parenting support packages. Grounded in trauma and attachment theory, these services help families build strong, healthy relationships.
📚 Adoption Training Courses
We offer adoption training for both prospective and approved adopters, including:
- Talking to Children About Adoption
- Becoming a Blended Family
- Family and Friends course (for your support network)
- Sensory processing workshop
- Navigating the education system
🌳Community Socials
PACT’s Strengthening Families Team is running monthly, informal meet-ups for PACT adoptive families to meet others, make friends and share experiences. Locations include parks, children’s farms and art galleries.
🧺 Adoptive Family Fun Days
Our annual family fun days bring PACT families together for picnics, activities, and mutual support. Children love making new friends, and parents often form lasting connections.
🗣️ Adoptee Voices Activities
We run engaging adoptee voices sessions for teenagers and young people adopted through PACT, helping them connect with peers and explore topics that matter to them. Past events have included pizza nights and rock climbing!
🏫 Education Support
Our specialist education worker supports families through school admissions and works with schools to help them understand how trauma can affect behaviour and learning.
💬 Adopter Support Groups
Coffee and consultation are online adopter support group sessions offering a space for parents to share advice, talk through challenges, and support one another. We also have online support groups for dads, parents of children with additional needs and Black and mixed heritage parents.
We’re here to support your adoption journey
Whether you need support before, immediately after placement or years down the line, PACT is here to walk alongside you. Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential and to ensure every adoptive parent feels supported, empowered, and connected.
Want to learn more about adoption?
Get in touch with our enquiries team today. We’d love to hear from you. Visit www.pactcharity.org/adoption-enquiry/ or call 0300 456 4800
