100 years of adoption

Attending one of our Early Permanence online information events is a convenient way to learn more about this route to adoption, an approach our charity has long‑standing expertise in.

Early Permanence (sometimes called fostering for adoption) gives children stability from their earliest days in care while plans for their future are made. It also allows prospective adopters to build a relationship with a child from the very start.

Join our online session from home using a camera‑enabled device. Our experienced social workers will explain Early Permanence in detail and answer your questions.

There is no pressure to take the next step. Adoption Matters will support you at your pace with honest guidance.

Events last around 60 minutes. They’re suitable for Adoption Matters adopters in Stage 1 or anyone at the enquiry stage. If you’re exploring adoption more broadly, we also encourage attending our general adoption information events.

Are events open to anybody who is interested in adoption, that lives in our geographical coverage area, which includes:

- The North West
- Yorkshire & the Humber and parts of the North East
- Stoke, Staffordshire & Shropshire

If you live just outside of these areas, we may still be able to assist you, so please do contact our team to discuss.

If you’re considering adoption as a solo adopter, you may invite one person to join you at all Adoption Matters events, including future training sessions if you go on to adopt with us. This can be a family member or a friend. Please include their details on your registration form

Our online information events are a great way to learn more about adopting, the adoption process and how Adoption Focus can support you.

They're ideal if:

• you're in the early stages of researching adoption
• you want a general overview of how the adoption process works
• you've been looking into adoption for a while and feel ready to start the process with Adoption Focus, an Ofsted 'Outstanding' rated agency
• you're contacting local agencies to decide which one to proceed with
• you want to find out more about the children who are waiting to be adopted
• you have specific questions you'd like to talk through privately with an expert
• you're interested in an early permanence route into adoption

They begin with a live presentation from a member of our team, covering all aspects of adoption and our service. Following this you'll be given the opportunity to arrange a private phone call or video chat with one of our experienced adoption social workers in which you can have your questions answered and talk about next steps.

Whether you want a general overview of how things work or have specific questions you'd like to talk through, we'll be happy to hear from you.

Please call on 0121 779 0891 or email info@adoption-focus.org.uk to book a place at this event. We’ll send you an information pack and all the details you need.

If you’re not able to make it to one of these events, please get in touch and we’ll arrange an alternative way of giving you the information you need.

CCS Adoption is running the next special in-person event at Henbury Village Hall, Bristol. Book yourself a place, and you can explore adoption, the children who need adoptive families and CCS Adoption – the region’s only Ofsted “Outstanding” adoption agency.

There will be a short presentation with their expert adoption team, who will be able to answer any questions you might have and tell you more about the lifelong support and training they provide. You’ll find out what the next steps are if you decide to adopt a child or siblings.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from their adopters and learn about their experiences.

Please be aware they only work with families living in the West and South West areas of England in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

If you want to discover how you can transform a child’s life through adoption, Adopt Thames Valley holds a regular programme of virtual information sessions throughout the year. At these you can find out what adoption involves today, learn more about the training and support we offer to adoptive families, and have the chance to ask questions. You will also hear from one of our adopters about their experience.

The sessions are held on a variety of weekday evenings.

Why not come and meet our friendly team, and discover if now is the right time for you to start your adoption journey? Call 0800 731 0171 or email ATV.iwanttoadopt@oxfordshire.gov.uk to book your place. You can also fill in our online enquiry form, including the date of the session that you would like to attend in the Message box.

Please note: Adopt Thames Valley welcomes enquirers from Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire, or those who live within one hour’s travelling time of one of our centres in Oxford, Reading and Swindon.