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Support for families with an adopted child

Adopting a child can be a joyful and life-changing experience, but it can also bring unique challenges. Many adopted children have experienced early trauma, loss or disruption, and families may need additional support at different stages of their journey.

There is support available for adoptive families both before and after an Adoption Order is made, and as children grow into young people and adults. This can include practical advice, emotional support, opportunities to connect with other families, and specialist services to help with education, behaviour, and wellbeing.

Services such as adoption support teams, Virtual Schools, and local organisations work together with parents, carers and schools to help children feel secure, thrive in their learning, and reach their potential. Families can access advice when they need it, whether they have a quick question or need more tailored support.

This section will guide you to information, services and resources that can support you and your child at every stage—from the early days of adoption through to adulthood.

Adopt South is the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton local authorities. 

The adoption agency provides families, both before and after an Adoption Order, with a wide range of learning opportunities, guidance, and support, available until their adopted children reach the age of 21, or 25 years if they have an EHCP(Education, Health and Care Plan).  

The Adoption Support Team can also provide assessment, and access to the ASGSF(Adoption and Special Guardian Support Fund) as well as organising opportunities to learn and meet with other families throughout the year including Virtual Parent Meet Ups and Family Fun events. 

Exclusively for children aged 7-17 years old, Adopt South has partnered with an external youth provider, to deliver weekend activities for adopted children on both the mainland and the Isle of Wight. These sessions include creative and hands on experiences such as music and art, indoor and outdoor fun physical pursuits and activities for all children to enjoy. 

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Whether you need some advice or help, or you would like to find out the latest learning and social events, please contact our friendly Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line. Our team members have a huge range of skills and expertise. Through talking over the phone or meeting with parents, we listen and understand how we can best meet a family’s needs. 

When you get in touch with us, one of our dedicated Advice and Support Line team will take your call.  If our line is busy, you can either: leave a message or use our arrange a call back form, and we will contact you within 24 hours. 

The Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line number is 0300 3000 001. 
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. We are not open Bank Holidays. 

See Adopt South's website for more Information 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 

Adopt South is the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton local authorities. 

The adoption agency provides families, both before and after an Adoption Order, with a wide range of learning opportunities, guidance, and support, available until their adopted children reach the age of 21, or 25 years if they have an EHCP(Education, Health and Care Plan).  

The Adoption Support Team can also provide assessment, and access to the ASGSF(Adoption and Special Guardian Support Fund) as well as organising opportunities to learn and meet with other families throughout the year including Virtual Parent Meet Ups and Family Fun events. 

Exclusively for children aged 7-17 years old, Adopt South has partnered with an external youth provider, to deliver weekend activities for adopted children on both the mainland and the Isle of Wight. These sessions include creative and hands on experiences such as music and art, indoor and outdoor fun physical pursuits and activities for all children to enjoy. 

Register to receive emails telling you about our upcoming events 

Whether you need some advice or help, or you would like to find out the latest learning and social events, please contact our friendly Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line. Our team members have a huge range of skills and expertise. Through talking over the phone or meeting with parents, we listen and understand how we can best meet a family’s needs. 

When you get in touch with us, one of our dedicated Advice and Support Line team will take your call.  If our line is busy, you can either: leave a message or use our arrange a call back form, and we will contact you within 24 hours. 

The Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line number is 0300 3000 001. 
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. We are not open Bank Holidays. 

See Adopt South's website for more Information 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 

Education Matters for Adopted Children

At Hampshire Virtual School, we’re here to support the education of previously looked after children (PLAC). We work with parents, carers, schools, and other professionals to make sure every child has the best possible learning experience and outcomes.

If your child attends a Hampshire school—even if you live outside the county—we’re here for you. If you live in Hampshire but your child goes to school in another local authority, you’ll need to contact the Virtual School for that area.

What Does PLAC Mean?

A child is considered Previously Looked After if they were in the care of a Local Authority for at least one day before moving to a permanent arrangement through:

  • Adoption
  • Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
  • Care Arrangement Order (CAO)
  • Residency Order (RO – issued up until 2014)

What Can You Expect from Your Child’s School?

  • A Designated Teacher (DT) for looked after and previously looked after children. They receive specialist training from the Virtual School to support your child effectively.
  • Strong partnerships between school and home to help with learning, attendance, emotional wellbeing, and overall achievement.
  • Regular communication about your child’s strengths and needs. While not a legal requirement, a personalised plan—such as an Education Support Plan (ESP)—created together with you and the school can be very helpful.
  • Transparency about Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding and how it’s used to support your child.
  • Listening to your child’s voice and making sure they feel heard.
  • Early, targeted support if any challenges arise.
  • Links to wider support and organisations when needed.

Key Information and Resources.

Hampshire Virtual School - Tel: 01962 835227 Email: virtualschool@hants.gov.uk

Isle of Wight Virtual School - Call: 01983 814680 Email: virtualschool@iow.gov.uk  

Portsmouth Virtual School - Call: 02392 688108 Email: PLACvirtualschool@portsmouthcc.gov.uk  

Southampton Virtual School Email: thevirtualschool@southampton.gov.uk

Education Matters for Adopted Children

At Hampshire Virtual School, we’re here to support the education of previously looked after children (PLAC). We work with parents, carers, schools, and other professionals to make sure every child has the best possible learning experience and outcomes.

If your child attends a Hampshire school—even if you live outside the county—we’re here for you. If you live in Hampshire but your child goes to school in another local authority, you’ll need to contact the Virtual School for that area.

What Does PLAC Mean?

A child is considered Previously Looked After if they were in the care of a Local Authority for at least one day before moving to a permanent arrangement through:

  • Adoption
  • Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
  • Care Arrangement Order (CAO)
  • Residency Order (RO – issued up until 2014)

What Can You Expect from Your Child’s School?

  • A Designated Teacher (DT) for looked after and previously looked after children. They receive specialist training from the Virtual School to support your child effectively.
  • Strong partnerships between school and home to help with learning, attendance, emotional wellbeing, and overall achievement.
  • Regular communication about your child’s strengths and needs. While not a legal requirement, a personalised plan—such as an Education Support Plan (ESP)—created together with you and the school can be very helpful.
  • Transparency about Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding and how it’s used to support your child.
  • Listening to your child’s voice and making sure they feel heard.
  • Early, targeted support if any challenges arise.
  • Links to wider support and organisations when needed.

Key Information and Resources.

Hampshire Virtual School - Tel: 01962 835227 Email: virtualschool@hants.gov.uk

Isle of Wight Virtual School - Call: 01983 814680 Email: virtualschool@iow.gov.uk  

Portsmouth Virtual School - Call: 02392 688108 Email: PLACvirtualschool@portsmouthcc.gov.uk  

Southampton Virtual School Email: thevirtualschool@southampton.gov.uk