Adoption Barometer 2026: Scotland This year’s data shows a welcome reduction in the proportion of respondents from Scotland who described their family as facing severe challenges, but many are still struggling and fewer say they feel optimistic about their child’s future. Although perceptions of the approvals process for new adoptive parents remain strongly positive, more established families report inconsistencies in the provision of adoption support, difficulties accessing mental health support through CAMHS, and continuing struggles in education. These issues become particularly important during the teen years – a time when most parents particularly lack confidence in the ability of services to support young adoptees, especially in times of crisis. Use the links below to find out more how the policies and practices around adoption impacted the lives of adoptive families in Scotland in 2025. Download a summary The early stages Prospective adopters undergoing any part of the approvals and matching process, who had a child come to live with them, or who obtained an adoption order during 2025. Established adoptive families Adoptive parents with one or more adopted children aged 0-25 whose adoption was finalised before 2025. Parents of teenagers and young adults Parents of adopted teenagers and young adults aged 13-15. Our recommendations Back to Adoption Barometer 2026 overview Manage Cookie Preferences