In adoption, the moment of placement often shines as a beacon of hope and fulfillment. However, beneath the surface lies a journey that extends far beyond the signing of papers and the celebratory moments. It's a journey fraught with challenges and complexities, where the need for post-adoption support is critical. Yet, despite the recognition of its importance, there exists a silent crisis – the timing out of services and support for children and families. Many children after adoption grapple with attachment issues, trauma, and a profound sense of identity confusion. And just when many need it most, the safety net of support seemingly disappears as they reach the age of 18.
In the United Kingdom alone, recent data reveals a startling reality – according to an Adoption UK study, approximately 65% of adoptees aged 18 and over reported experiencing mental health difficulties, with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emerging as prevalent concerns. On top of this, a staggering 72% of adoptees surveyed expressed a desire for continued support beyond the age of 18, highlighting the profound and enduring need for ongoing assistance and guidance.
The significance of longevity in post-adoption support cannot be overstated. Adoption is not a static event but a dynamic process that unfolds across the lives of those affected. Its impact lasts through the years, shaping identities, relationships, and psychosocial well-being. From grappling with the complexities of identity formation to navigating the terrain of mental health struggles, the effects of adoption affect every facet of an individual's existence. Accessing crucial support services is an ordeal even before time out, with families often on waiting lists for months or even years before receiving the assistance they so desperately require. And yet, as children stand on the brink of adulthood, the support seemingly dissipates.
Central to the issue is the serious lack of understanding among service providers and professionals. For case workers, the intricacies of adoption are so multifaceted that it's possible many may fail to grasp the full experience. This can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate interventions, and often results in a profound disconnect between the support offered and the needs of those it attempts to serve.
The Impact of No Support
A whopping 54% majority of adoptive parents reported that a health or education professional had diagnosed their child with a condition impacting their ability to learn or engage in physical activities. This statistic is reflected in education reports, where adopted students were five times more likely to be diagnosed with psychological or physical conditions than students living with both married parents. The same study shows that adopted students were:
twice as likely to have had their parents contacted in the last year due to schoolwork problems;
three times as likely to have had their parents contacted in the last year due to classroom behavior problems;
four times more likely to have repeated a grade;
and three times more likely to have been suspended or expelled from school.
In a recent paper, researchers estimated the causal effect of foster care placement on adult crime, finding nearly one-fifth of the US prison population comprises of former foster children. Additionally, about 70% of youth who exit foster care as legal adults are arrested at least once by age 26. Despite the media often citing a ‘foster care-to-prison pipeline’, these statistics do not definitively determine whether foster care causes crime, yet when we put adoptees under the microscope the statistics are similar, with Law enforcement records in the US showing that adoptees are 15 times more likely to commit murder of a parent than biologically raised children.
While these statistics paint a bleak picture for those leaving the foster care and adoption system, by prioritising the provision of caring homes and quality education, we can work towards ensuring that these statistics become a thing of the past. It's through proactive support and advocacy that we can empower foster youth to overcome the systemic challenges they face and build brighter futures for themselves.
So, What Support is Available?
It’s not all doom and gloom… In the UK, there are some specialised support services available for adopted individuals who have turned 18. These services are designed to assist adoptees in navigating the challenges of adulthood and addressing any ongoing needs they may have. Here are some key forms of support available:
Adult Adoption Support Fund (ASF): The Adult Adoption Support Fund provides financial assistance to adopted adults and their families to access therapeutic services and support. This fund can cover the cost of therapy sessions, counseling, and other forms of therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing the specific needs of adopted individuals.
Adoptee Support Groups: There are lots of adoptee support groups exist across the UK, with inclusive options regardless of age, offering valuable peer support and resources. Follow the link and see what’s available near you.
Adopt South West - Adopt South West offers comprehensive support services tailored to individuals aged 18 and above who were adopted as children, recognising that adoption is a lifelong experience. Their services encompass emotional and behavioral support, facilitated by the Adoption Support Fund, Adopt South West also assists in accessing birth records and tracing birth family members, offering counseling services for those seeking information about their birth history. They also provide education and health support, collaborating with local education and mental health services to ensure seamless transitions and access to appropriate resources. Financial support may also be available beyond the age of 18 under certain circumstances, including continuation of adoption allowance.
Adoption Matters - This support is solely for individuals seeking assistance in locating their adoption records, whether they are seasoned in their search or just embarking on this journey, experienced post-adoption support professionals are available to provide guidance and support every step of the way. With a commitment to transparency and empathy, these professionals offer assistance and additional resources to aid in the process.
Training and workshops: adoptive parents may have access to training courses and workshops specifically designed to address the unique needs of adopted children and their families. These training opportunities can cover topics such as attachment, trauma-informed parenting, and managing challenging behaviours.
Moving Onwards and Upwards…
What we’ve learnt is the journey of adoption extends far beyond the initial placement, encompassing lifelong challenges and complexities that demand ongoing support and guidance. Despite the recognition of its importance, there exists a concerning gap in services as children reach adulthood, leaving many adoptees and their families grappling with attachment issues, trauma, and identity confusion without adequate assistance.
With that being said, there are specialised support services available for adopted individuals in the UK, offering tailored assistance in navigating adulthood and addressing ongoing needs. From financial assistance, through the Adult Adoption Support Fund, to emotional and behavioral support provided by organisations like Adopt South West, there are avenues for adoptees to access the help they need. By prioritising proactive support and advocacy, we can empower adoptees to overcome systemic challenges and build brighter futures for themselves, ensuring that the journey of adoption is not merely about placement, but, about lifelong nurturing and support.
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