New birth family services mapping project launched

The Family Rights Group has recently launched a groundbreaking project to map support services for birth families in England. These services include advice, peer-to-peer support, and therapeutic assistance.

The initiative aims to assist birth families whose children have been adopted or may be in the process of adoption. Currently, there is no comprehensive nationwide map that outlines available services for birth families, including parents before, during, and after adoption proceedings. Therapeutic support, crucial for parents to safely care for their children, is often lacking or inaccessible. Local variations in services exacerbate the challenge, leaving birth families unaware of available resources.

The project involves gathering data from local authorities, regional adoption agencies, charities, and the public. They are encouraged to submit details of services supporting birth parents.

Once complete, an interactive map will be hosted on the Family Rights Group’s website, providing information about the types of services offered.

This mapping effort, funded by the Regional Adoption Agencies’ Leaders programme: Adoption England, aims to bridge gaps in support and shed light on disparities across regions. By making services more accessible, birth parents, siblings, and extended family members can find the vital support they need during the adoption process.

Family Rights Group would welcome contributions from local authorities, practitioners, or members of the public who can provide us with the details of any service that supports birth families in England. You can contact the Family Rights Group lead at adavies@frg.org.uk.