What is Adoption UK?

Adoption UK, (until 1999 known as 'Parent to Parent Information on Adoption Services' or 'PPIAS'), was formed in 1971 by a group of parents who had adopted children considered, at that time, 'hard to place'. Adoption UK is a registered charity which aims to provide support, advice and encouragement for prospective and existing adoptive parents and long-term foster carers. Between us we have experience of the adoption of tiny, healthy infants through to teenagers and children with disabilities and many differing racial origins.

ADOPTION UK EXISTS TO HELP YOU

Why not join Adoption UK
either if you are hoping to adopt a child or if you are an established adoptive family and would appreciate contact with others.

HELPING YOU THROUGH THE ADOPTION PROCESS

Adoption UK (PPIAS) is able to help people who are considering adopting a child by passing on information about how and where to apply for adoption. In the past adoption agencies frequently confined their work to placing healthy white babies. This is no longer so and it is the aim of all concerned to find the right new families for the wide variety of children who need them.

Currently there are several thousand children being accommodated by local authorities in the UK. Many of these children will be unable to return to their families of birth and may need the security of adoption within the UK.

All Adoption UK (formerly PPIAS) co-ordinators have experience of adoption and are glad to share information with new members about the agencies in their own areas within the UK.

EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO A FAMILY AND SOMEWHERE THERE IS A FAMILY FOR EVERY CHILD

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

Sharing experiences with other adopters can be very helpful and encouraging at any stage of an adoption. Adopted children and young people often appreciate contact with other children who are adopted. Some aspects of adoption which families have found valuable to share are:

Adoption UK now has a wide membership of adoptive families with very varied and valuable experiences of adoption. Within Adoption UK there are those with experiences of adoption of children of all ages from

We also liase with the support groups for adopted adults and relinquishing birth parents,

to additional adoption support pages.....

Adoption UK can put families in touch with one another for their mutual support in both joys and difficulties. Our co-ordinators, who are all adoptive parents, will welcome you and give you information about the varied and informal activities of your local Adoption UK group. A full list of co-ordinators can be found in the latest Adoption UK magazine ('Adoption Today') which is available to all members.

We have an extensive booklist, a range of resource packs and information leaflets on various aspects of adoption and an

experience resource bank ('erbie')
now known as

'PAL'

(Parents Are Linked)

of families willing to share adoption experiences with other members of Adoption UK.
The bi-monthly magazine (Adoption Today) is full of information and support written by and for adoptive families.

Adoption UK's adoption community is now also online and available by visiting Adoption UK at

http://www.adoptionuk.org

Your introduction to Adoption UK's "LIVE" website.....

Membership, Advice and Helpline

+44 (0)870 7700 450

Office Contact (open from 09.00h to 17.00h Monday to Friday)
Admin: +44 (0)1 295 752 240
Fax: +44 (0)1 295 752 241