Features
Our features are aimed at prospective adopters and permanent foster carers.
Informative articles and real-life stories about adoption and fostering from families, children and professionals.
July 2009 online features about support networks
With a little help from your friends Whatever stage you’re at in the adoption or fostering process, chances are you will have heard of the term ‘support network’. This chunky phrase sounds quite intimidating, and it is easy to imagine that your social worker wants you to unveil a long list of close contacts, ready to drop everything in a flash if you were ever to call on them for help. But, actually, there’s no need to panic…
We couldn't do it without them
Kerrigan and Jason are a couple in their forties who hope to adopt. They gave up their metropolitan lives three years ago for the ‘good life’ in the middle of nowhere, far from family and friends – and have been busy building a support network ever since. Kerrigan tells their story…
“They’ve adopted him as well!”
Penny was a single carer who had just been assessed to adopt. Her family and friends made up a support network that didn’t have a clue about adoption! So why does Penny now say that she couldn’t have done it without them?
Getting people "on side"
Mary, a counsellor and support worker, helps run frequent one-off events that are proving very popular with prospective adopters in Portsmouth. She lets Sophie Offord in on the secret…
Is my social worker part of my support network?
Your social worker is not part of your support network the way that friends and family are, and cannot provide the same emotional support. But they are certainly there to help you and the placement succeed.
Last updated: 01 July 09
