Adoption UK Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s new vision for adoption.

Launched during Adoption Week Scotland, the vision recognises the evolving nature of adoption and sets out plans to improve support for all adoptive families and adopted people in Scotland.

It states: ‘Our vision is for adoption in 21st century Scotland to be open and responsive. It should continue to evolve and change to meet the unique needs of our children and young people, as well as adult adoptees, and to be responsive to wider changes in society and practice.’

To deliver this vision, the strategy outlines five priorities to meet the needs of families and individuals impacted by adoption. These priorities have been identified with input from the adoption community in Scotland and align with the strategic framework set out in The Promise, the government’s pledge that all children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected.

These priorities are:

• Recognising adoption as the best permanence option for some children
• Best practice to support timely adoption and good transitions
• Best practice to support family time and life journey work
• Consistent and comprehensive post-adoption support
• Lifelong support for all care experienced children, young people, families and adults

To deliver these priorities, the vision includes a commitment to continued funding for organisations and initiatives that support adoptive families and adopted people. Work will also be undertaken to develop new training and resources to support caregivers and practitioners to provide trauma-informed care for adopted children and young people.

Fiona Aitken, Adoption UK Scotland Director, said: ‘Adoption UK Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government’s new adoption vision statement and ongoing commitment to supporting adoptive families and adopted people in Scotland.

‘The five priority areas set out within the statement accurately reflect the challenges faced by many of those with lived experience of adoption, and it is encouraging that their voices have been listened to by policy makers during the development of this vision.

‘The impact of adoption is lifelong, and we welcome the government’s recognition of this and assurance of additional support to adult adoptees, as well as a commitment to ensuring existing services have a better understanding of the needs of adopted people.

‘We also welcome commitments to improving post-adoption support and establishing best practice for adoption and childhood therapeutic services throughout Scotland, in line with the guidelines set out by The Promise. Many adoptees are living with the impacts of early-years trauma or other complex psychological challenges, and it is vital that they and their families are able to access the specialised support they need to thrive.

‘We are also gratified to see the government’s commitment to continued funding for many of our services, including the vital work of FASD Hub Scotland and our evidence based therapeutic parenting service Pathways. Adoption UK Scotland will continue to work with the government and other organisations to ensure essential services such as these are accessible, sustainable, and responsive for all who need them.’

Read the Scottish Government’s adoption vision in full: Supporting adoption: vision and priorities - statement - gov.scot