Navigating the early years

Welcoming a previously looked after child into your family comes with a unique set of joys and challenges. The early years are an important and special time for development, building relationships and establishing routines. This page is full of real stories, information and guidance tailored to the needs of preschool-age children. We'll be with you every step of the way as you begin to find your rhythm as a new family.

Useful links

Join the Adoption UK Community

Why not join our friendly and supportive online community groups including 'Adopters in the early days' where you can build your support network, meet likeminded adopters and share experiences?

Man on phone to adoption uk information and support line

Talk to someone at Adoption UK

We know the adoption journey can be challenging, so if you need to talk to a human being, our Information and Support Line is here to offer support, guidance and advice.

0300 666 0006

AUK's therapy service

The Pyschology and Therapy Hub (PATH) team deliver a range of psychological therapies, drawing from a variety of approaches and expertise including therapeutic life story work, attachment, trauma, neurodiversity, trauma-informed parenting, non-violent resistance, DDP and sensory integration.

PATH provide a evidence-based, trauma-informed therapeutic support service for individuals and families affected by adoption and families caring for children who cannot live with their birth families, including kinship and long-term foster carers,

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a condition that can occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol prenatally. It can happen at any point of pregnancy and often before the pregnancy is known.

FASD affects 3-5% of the general population and up to 33% of the care experienced population. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that can affect any and all areas of development.

Recommended listening, watching and reading

Listen

Join us for Family Matters, a podcast dedicated to exploring the many facets of adoption, care experience, and parenting. In each episode, we dive into personal stories, expert insights, and real-life challenges that shape the journey of being parented and parenting. With guidance from our team of psychologists, we tackle pressing issues around identity, family history, and more.

Listen to more episodes here

Watch

Become a member to access webinars

For access to recorded webinars, live webinars, a lending library and much more, consider joining us as a Family Member. You'll gain access to the webinars listed below plus lots more.

Information and guidance

Therapeutic parenting

The style of parenting that children with experience of trauma and attachment difficulties can require and respond best to. It is sometimes known as trauma-informed parenting, trauma-sensitive parenting, conscious parenting and reflective parenting.

Sleep and bedtimes

Sleep challenges are common among young children but for previously looked after and adopted children, these difficulties may be more complex.

Post adoption support

It is widely accepted that adoption has a lifelong impact, and that many adopted people need additional support in order to thrive. Adoptive families are entitled to support.

Supporting previously looked after children to thrive in nursery and pre-school

Going to a nursery or pre-school gives children many opportunities to learn new skills and prepares them for school. There are some additional considerations you may wish to make if your child is adopted, or in kinship or long-term foster care to help them settle in and to thrive.

Welcoming an adopted child to your nursery

This guide gives an overview of some challenges adopted children and their families may face, and practical strategies to help nurseries and families work together to enable an adopted child to settle in and to thrive. You could give the printable leaflet to your early years setting at your first meeting.

Attachment and trauma

Coming soon

Sensory processing disorder

Coming soon.

Post adoption depression

Some adopters may experience symptoms of depression during the early placement period or at other significant times after adoption. This page aims to raise awareness of this often-overlooked issue, offering research-based information on possible causes and triggers. However it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or support.

Supporting parents with a new placement

Ask friends and family to read this factsheet so that they understand and know how best to support you in the early days of your adoption journey.

Become a member

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