The Adoption Barometer

Early stages: approvals, matching, placement, adoption order

57%  reached approvals panel in 12 months or less.

57% agreed that the process was so difficult they wondered if they would be able to continue.

64% of new adopters had life story materials by the end of the year in which they obtained the adoption order.

Established families: children 0-25 yrs, adopted pre-2023

42% described their family status as ‘Facing severe challenges or at crisis point’.

Only 67% feel optimistic about their family’s future.  

63% said they experienced a positive impact on their family as a result of contacting their adoption agency for support.

Teenagers and young adults 16-25yrs: includes adoptees and parents

Only 10% feel that public services understand the needs of care experienced young people.

72% of those who accessed CAMHS support did not agree that it made a positive difference.

Only 44% said they felt welcome at school and as though they belonged.

Adult adoptees 16+: 54% of respondents were adopted pre-1975

Only 12% feel they know enough about their medical history to get the healthcare they need.

Only 42% are confident about approaching professional services for help with tracing and reunion.

Only 18% feel an appropriate range of therapeutic services and support are available.

Robust support plans that are regularly reviewed, particularly at moments of major change, such as the move between primary and secondary school and the transition to adulthood.   

Training for health and education professionals from the start of their careers to equip them to understand and meet the needs of the adoptees they will be expected to support.   

Ring-fenced, permanent funding for well-evidenced therapeutic support for adoptees of all ages, combined with opportunities for adoptees to connect with each other for mutual support.   

Reliable support for adult adoptees to access personal adoption records, connect with birth families, and get the health treatment they need, even if the family medical history is unknown. 

England

The Adoption Barometer 2025  - England

Summary - England

Wales/Cymru

The Adoption Barometer 2025  - Wales (English)

The Adoption Barometer 2025 - Cymru (Cymraeg)

Scotland

The Adoption Barometer 2025 - Scotland

Summary - Scotland

Northern Ireland

The Adoption Barometer 2025 - Northern Ireland

Summary - Northern Ireland