Parents of teenagers and young adults (Scotland) Most respondents lack confidence in the availability of appropriate support for teenagers and young adults from both adoption services and other statutory services. Most do not feel prepared for the possibility of direct contact arising during the teenage years, but nearly one third of 13-18-year-olds had direct contact during 2025. Adopted young people remain considerably more likely than their peers to not be in positive destinations after leaving school. Statement UK-Wide Scotland I feel well prepared as a parent for the possibility of direct contact during the teen years. 27% 23% I feel confident that appropriate support is available from adoption support services for teens and young adults and their families. 19% 17% I feel confident that other statutory services (e.g. mental health, housing, education) have a good understanding of the needs of adopted young people. 11% 10% My young adult child is getting the support they need from statutory services. 28% 24% My young adult child is in education, employment or training. 69% 61% What is going well? “We have had good support from CAMHS once it was in place. The school has also been supportive.” “Adoption UK’s E Project for the benefits it brings to young people (and their families) with lived care experiences or with FASD/PAE.” “Recent interactions with John Lewis Partnership have been fantastic, giving my 16-year-old the opportunity to get a part time job that I think otherwise she would have struggled to get or maintain.” “Local face-to-face peer group meetings for parents and children.” What could be improved? “At the point of adoption, families should be told about all the support available in the future. We have a 13-year-old and have been waiting for CAMHS for six years but still no help or diagnosis. We have only recently found out about child disability benefits.” “Once my child reached 16 they were moved to adult social services. They had frequent changes of social worker and none had understanding of the impact of adoption.” “It would be good to meet other adoptive parents of children of a similar age. Now our child is in their teens it is not easy to meet anyone else in a similar situation.” “Professionals need a greater knowledge of FASD so they can support families with children who have this diagnosis.” “Adoptees get more ‘points’ in the education sector, e.g. applying for secondary school. However, there are no mechanisms for the equivalent in CAMHS. It would make a huge difference to adoptees seeking help from CAMHS to have that extra boost rather than being stuck on waiting lists for years.” Back to Scotland overview Manage Cookie Preferences