We are here to support:
adopted children and adults
families on the adoption journey
birth families
professionals
Adoption support for adoptive families
Adoption is a journey for life, and the support your family needs may change along the way. We are here for adoptive families across Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.
Our social workers and support workers understand that family life can sometimes feel hard. Children may have had difficult experiences in the past, and these can affect how they feel and build relationships.
We will work with you to help your child feel safe, happy and supported. We can share advice and information, offer practical help and help you meet other adoptive families.
You can get in touch with any question or worry, or if you would just like some guidance. You do not need to wait until things feel difficult. Asking for help early can make a real difference.
How we can help
Please get in touch if you would like:
advice about your child's behaviour or feelings
help with ways of caring for a child who has had difficult early experiences
information about how difficult early experiences can affect a child
help with your child's identity, life story or relationships
information about adoption support and specialist help
advice about keeping in touch with people who are important to your child
information about training, workshops and support groups
a chat about whether a fuller look at your family's support needs may help
news about events, family activities and other ways to connect
help from our Mailbox Team with keeping in touch arrangements
Additional support
If your family may need more help, we can take a closer look at what support would be best. This is called an Adoption Support Needs Assessment.
This helps us get to know your child and family better. We will talk with you about your child's strengths, what is going well and anything you are finding hard.
We will work with you to find the support that could help your child and family most.
Accessing support
When you contact us, we will take time to listen and talk through the help that may be right for you.
We want your family to get the right help at the right time.
Other services
We also provide:
an Access to Records service for adopted adults
support, information and signposting for birth parents
advice and support with staying in touch arrangements
Please contact the Adoption Support Team to find out more. We will be happy to help.
Finding out about your adoption records
If you are an adopted adult, you have the right to ask for information about your adoption and early life.
You will not have to do this alone. A social worker will help look for your adoption records, explain what they say and answer your questions.
If we find your records, we will give you a summary of the information we hold. We will also give you copies of the documents you are allowed to see. We will share everything with care, at a pace that feels right for you. You can ask for more support afterwards too.
Learning more about your adoption story can bring up many different feelings. You may want to know more about your past, your birth family or your life story. Whatever you want to know, we are here to listen and help.
The service is free and private. If you choose, we can also help you explore making contact with birth relatives.
For more information or to start the process, contact the Adoption Support Team.
Support guide for adopted children
A child's guide to adoption is available by contacting the Adoption Support Team.
Adoption support for professionals
We sometimes work with other professionals to provide support.
A professional's guide to adoption is available by contacting the Adoption Support Team.
Contact us
Adoption Support Team
Telephone: 0300 123 6728
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays)
Email: support@adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk
You can also email us if you'd like to join our mailing list and hear about events, family activities, workshops, training and support groups.
Mailbox Team
Telephone: 01772 538158 Opening hours: Monday