01244 390 938
01244 390 938
Children’s adoption charity and voluntary adoption agency, Adoption Matters joins forces with voluntary adoption agencies across the UK to launch an advice guide exploring early permanence as a route to parenthood.
Early permanence, sometimes referred to as fostering for adoption, allows individuals and families to care for a child from the earliest stages of their time in care, offering them stability and continuity, while decisions are made about the child’s future within the family court process.
Voluntary adoption agencies across the UK are encouraging people to consider this route to adoption, which can help provide children with a secure start in life, avoiding unnecessary moves and disruption.
Together, they have created the guide, drawing on the lived experience of adoptive parents who have provided early permanence care. These families reflect openly on the challenges, emotions and rewards of welcoming a child into their homes at such a crucial stage.
Voluntary adoption agencies are specialists in finding families for children who need them most and are particularly experienced in supporting early permanence arrangements. They work closely with local authorities and regional adoption agencies to ensure that both children and adopters receive the guidance and support they need throughout the process.
Voluntary Adoption Agencies are independent, not-for-profit organisations dedicated to providing comprehensive, lifelong support to adoptive families. This includes preparation, training and ongoing support, both during the early permanence stage and beyond.
Adoption Matters has a long and successful history in Early Permanence. Between 2014 and January 2024, we delivered the North West Concurrent Planning Service in partnership with Caritas Care, growing it into the largest service of its kind in the UK and supporting over 187 children into early permanence placements. As the adoption landscape evolved, the service moved in house in January 2024, bringing extensive expertise back into our organisation and strengthening our Early Permanence offer.
Jacqui Shore, Director of Adoption and Fostering at Adoption Matters said:
“Early permanence offers children the chance to experience stability and security at the earliest possible point in their lives. For adopters, it is a unique opportunity to build a bond from the very beginning of a child entering care, but it can also feel daunting without the right support and information.
“This guide has been created to give people more insight. It highlights that what matters most is the ability to provide a loving, safe and nurturing home, alongside a willingness to embrace uncertainty in those early stages.
“We are proud that the guide centres the voices of people who have offered early permanence care, sharing their lived experience to support and encourage others. We hope it reassures and inspires more people to take that first step.”
Download the Early Permanence Advice Guide for full guidance
Adoption Matters hosts monthly Early Permanence information events for anyone interested in learning more about this route to adoption. You can download our adoption information pack for full details and to see the dates of our upcoming events.
