Directory of Services
- Adoption Support Team
- Area SENCOs
- Children with Disabilities
- County Psychologist Service
- Education Welfare Service
- Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Support Team
- Pupil Referral Unit
- Hospital and Home Tuition Service
- Looked After Children Education Services
- Parent Support Advisors
- Social Care
- Special Educational Needs
- Specialist Advisory Teaching Service
Introduction to Service/Eligibility Criteria
Adoption is a lifelong experience for all those who are affected by it. The Adoption Support Team in Cumbria was set up in 2005 to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive package of information and support to all those involved in adoption. The team is part of the Children's Services directorate of Cumbria County Council.
Adoption support services are available to anyone whose adoption was arranged by Cumbria County Council. Where children were placed in Cumbria for adoption by other agencies/local authorities, those placing agencies are responsible for adoption support for the first three years.
The priorities for the team are:
- To work directly with families with adopted children to promote family stability and prevent family breakdown;
- To co-work with other professionals to clarify and ensure the support needs of all parties to adoption are met; and
- To organise and develop support services for all those affected by adoption and to provide information about these services.
The Adoption Support Service can offer the following services:
- Counselling and confidential advice;
- Letterbox scheme to promote indirect contact between birth families and adoptive families;
- Birth record counselling for adopted adults seeking information about their past;
- Intermediary Services – there is a charge for this service;
- Support groups for adoptive parents held in Carlisle, Penrith, Cockermouth, Kendal and Barrow-in-Furness;
- Support groups held in Kendal and Cockermouth for adopted adults;
- Art group for adopted children and young people;
- Annual fun day for adoptive families;
- Twice yearly newsletter for adoptive families.
Supporting Information Required
What supporting information is required beyond the CAF Pre-assessment Checklist and the standard Children's Services Single Referral Form?
Please indicate the principle need on the Children's Services Single Referral Form in the section that asks, "What outcomes would you like for the young person?"
- Contact
- Behaviour
- Attachment
- Identity
- Therapeutic
Contact Details
Where should referral forms and any additional information be sent?
FAO: Adoption Support Team Manager
Adoption Support Team
3 Alfred Street North
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA1 1PX
Customer Services - Fax: 01228 601572
For any direct queries you can e-mail:
More information about Adoption Support is available from: