Reviewing staying in touch arrangements

Part of Staying in touch: Contact after adoption > Preparing for and supporting staying in touch

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All contact plans need to be provisional and regularly reviewed, taking into account an individual child’s experiences of contact. Understanding children’s feelings involves careful observation of their responses before, during and after contact. Children are not always able to express their wishes verbally; non-verbal communication is very important. 

Young children generally benefit from the presence of trusted adults during face-to-face contact. When contact is difficult for children, professional support can help. This includes thinking about: 

  • when, where and how often the child has contact 
  • who supports them and the birth family 
  • what help birth parents might need in understanding and responding to the child 
  • how to ensure that everybody understands what is expected of them during visits.

Reviewing contact in adolescence

Adolescence is a time of multiple changes and challenges and this can affect what young people think about being adopted and contact with birth relatives.

This guide aims to help adoptive families and birth families navigate the adolescent years.

View guide

Staying in touch: Contact after adoption

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