1971
the year Adoption UK was founded
Adoption UK, About usAdoption & fostering
Adoption UK
A national community for adopted and care-experienced people, and for the families who walk beside them.
The organisation
Purpose, challenge and response.
Overview
Founded in 1971, Adoption UK is a leading charity for adopted and care-experienced people, adoptive families, and others parenting children who cannot live with their birth parents. It combines peer community, information, therapeutic services and campaigning across the UK.
The challenge
Early trauma and loss can affect a child's development, learning, health and relationships long after adoption. Families often need informed support throughout childhood and beyond, while adopted adults can face a particular gap in services and understanding.
How it responds
Adoption UK connects families through local groups, online meetings and events; provides information and support lines; delivers trauma-informed therapeutic services; supports people affected by FASD; and uses lived experience to campaign for better policy and provision.
Key data points
UK-wide
community, information and advocacy
Adoption UK1%
of adoptive parents surveyed completely agreed services understood care experience
Adoption Barometer 20243%
of adult adoptees surveyed said the same
Adoption Barometer 2024Figures are drawn from the organisation's published information and retain the reporting period shown.
Trust-supported project · Publishing
Our relationship.
The Welch Trust sponsored the creation of Bravely Being Me, a children's book produced with Adoption UK that shares real stories from adopted people and celebrates strength, possibility and belonging.
Michael Welch is one of the people featured. His pages describe his own adoption and his journey from tyre fitter to entrepreneur, giving young readers a first-hand example of what can grow from early belief and support.
