Modern Adoption In Wales

Achieving permanence for children is an underpinning principle of the legislative framework in Wales and of all social work practice with children and families. Choosing the right kind of permanence is so important.  It relies on a sound understanding and analysis of the child’s needs and circumstances, as well as the different permanence options available and what they offer.

Making the right decision for each child requires us to consider realistic options for permanence and ultimately this option will provide the kind of parenting to meet the child’s needs and will assist with their recovery from trauma – not just now but for their lifetime. For some children, permanence can be achieved through successful return to their family, where it has been possible to address the factors in family life which led to the child becoming looked after. For other children, routes to permanence may include care provided by family and friends, particularly when such care can be supported by a legal order.  And for some children who are unable to return to their parents or wider family, adoption offers a lifelong and legally permanent new family.

The 4 recorded modules are designed for different audiences.

Watch Part 1
Modern Adoption 1 is a pre-qualifying module that gives a general overview of what adoption is and what it looks like in Wales today. It also includes an understanding of the place of adoption in terms of care planning for some children, and the roles and responsibilities of the different practitioners involved.

Watch Part 2
Modern Adoption 2 is a post qualifying module that goes into the ‘nuts and bolts’ of adoption work through care proceedings, and the childcare social worker’s role in evidencing the need for adoption.

Watch Part 3
Modern Adoption 3 is the second post qualifying module designed for practitioners involved in care planning for children with more detail about how we plan and achieve permanence for children and the role of adoption within this.

Watch Part 4
Adoption in today’s Wales: Practice Implications for Cafcass Cymru
This recorded module is designed specifically for children’s guardians and looks at how adoption in Wales is modernising and the implications this has for guardian’s in representing children’s best interests across their lifetime in court.