FIRST STEPS ADOPTION COURSE PREVIEW
You’re viewing the first module in this course section. This course section has 9 parts. Register for free to read it within the full First Steps course, save your progress, use quizzes and continue through the remaining modules.
BACKGROUNDS OF CHILDREN AND WHY THEY COME INTO CARE
Most children who need adoptive families have entered care because concerns were raised about their safety and wellbeing.
Children come into care for many different reasons, and their families are often facing complex challenges. Many children have experienced adversity, trauma, loss, separation, or inconsistent caregiving.
Entering care is itself a significant life event. Being separated from familiar people, places and routines can affect how a child feels about safety, trust and relationships.
Modules in this course section
- ADOPTION: 1. Neglect — 7 mins
- ADOPTION: 2. Physical abuse — 5 mins
- ADOPTION: 3. Emotional Abuse — 6 mins
- ADOPTION: 4. Sexual Abuse — 5 mins
- ADOPTION: 5. Mental Health — 7 mins
- ADOPTION: 6. Learning Difficulties — 6 mins
- ADOPTION: 7. Substance Misuse — 8 mins
- ADOPTION: 8. Children relinquished through consensual adoption — 4 mins
- ADOPTION: Next Steps…. — 3 mins
Preview this first module, then register free to continue through the full section.
ADOPTION: 1. Neglect
Neglect happens when a child's needs are not consistently met over time. This can affect their physical, emotional, developmental and educational wellbeing.
Children who have experienced neglect may have lived with inconsistent care, limited supervision, a lack of routine, or unmet emotional and practical needs. They may find it difficult to trust adults, feel safe, regulate their emotions, or believe that their needs will be met.
First Steps talks to adoption specialists and parents about the different reasons children may enter the adoption system.
Backgrounds of Children
Case Study: Tania, Sharee and Max
Professionals had been supporting Tania, Sharee and Max's family for several years because there were concerns about whether the children's needs were being met consistently.
Their mother, Lorna, had learning needs and benefited from additional support with everyday tasks and parenting. As the family grew and circumstances became more complex, she found it increasingly difficult to meet the demands of caring for three young children. The children's father, Dean, was also experiencing challenges and found it difficult to engage with support services. Conflict within the family home increased over time, creating further stress and instability for everyone.
As a result, the children experienced inconsistent care. There were concerns about nutrition, hygiene, supervision and the family's ability to establish predictable routines. Professionals also observed that the children were not always receiving the emotional and practical support they needed. Neighbours and practitioners described concerns that the children often appeared hungry, distressed and unsettled.
The children were exposed to frequent arguments and incidents of domestic abuse within the home. Living with ongoing uncertainty and conflict can affect a child's sense of safety and wellbeing, particularly during the early years of development.
When Tania was four, Sharee was two and Max was one, the local authority concluded that the children could not safely remain at home. They entered foster care, where their needs could be assessed and supported. Efforts were made to explore whether wider family members could offer them a permanent home, but no suitable arrangements were identified.
Following careful consideration of the children's long-term needs, the court approved a plan for Tania, Sharee and Max to be adopted. The aim was to provide them with a safe, stable and nurturing family environment in which they could develop secure relationships and thrive.
The following questions will help you think about how Tania, Sharee and Max’s future care will need to be approached.