Adoption Breakdown Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Department for Education

Adoption Breakdown

Sojan Joseph Excerpts
Thursday 3rd April 2025

(2 days, 11 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Tom Gordon Portrait Tom Gordon
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

While the early stages of adoption may involve training and some resources, the ongoing assistance tends to dwindle after a child is placed. Many adoptive parents, especially those caring for children with complex needs, report feeling isolated and overwhelmed, as local authorities frequently fail to offer consistent, tailored support.

Sojan Joseph Portrait Sojan Joseph (Ashford) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

I have been approached by my constituents about their breakdowns. As we do not have any data, we do not know how many parents are struggling in our constituencies. Does the hon. Member agree that if we do not identify adopters and support them, we will not have any adopters in the future?

Tom Gordon Portrait Tom Gordon
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

That is one of the key points about adoption disruption and breakdown, and the hon. Gentleman makes it very eloquently. There is concern that if we do not help people who are adopting now, we will not have a next generation of people who will adopt.