Support for birth families

If your child might be adopted then we can support you.

Some birth parents might still be together, some might not, but it is still important for birth fathers as well as mothers to get the support they need through the adoption process and with after adoption contact.

We are able to provide support for birth parents and families via PAC-UK (an independent charity who provide support and advice to anyone affected by adoption). To be supported by PAC-UK and access the services below we ask individuals to agree to a referral to this service.  To discuss this further please email adoption@togetherforchildren.org.uk to find out more. 

About PAC-UK's First Family Service

If your child no longer with you or is there a chance this may happen we offer free advice and support for birth mothers, fathers and relatives.

We know how traumatic losing a child can be. We know that you will always be family to your child and relatives. We aim to help you improve the outcome for any future children you may have.

The PAC-UK First Family Service can:

• Listen to your story and how you are feeling about your child's adoption.
• Explain the often confusing process of adoption and what that means for you and your child - now and in the future.
• Help write a letterbox letter. Most people find the first one particularly difficult.
• Help you to write a letter for your child or relative for when they are older explaining your story, what happened and how you feel about it.
• Let you know how other parents like yourself feel and that you are not alone.
• Meet with you in a convenient place and discuss what is most helpful to you. What you say is confidential.
• PAC-UK also run friendly in-person support groups in some areas and online support groups (they also have a First Family Facebook Group with over 150 members you can join).

About Pause

Pause's small and passionate team have been working with women in Sunderland since 2018. Pause work directly with women, so that no woman should ever have to experience the removal of a child more than once. They offer an intensive, supportive 18-month programme to meet the individual woman's needs and their hopes for the future across a variety of areas: from housing to confidence building to improving relationships with children. The program is voluntary and practitioners are trauma informed and build a trusting relationship with the woman to make sure she is at the centre of all of the support. The Pause Programme works best when a woman has no children in her care, and can focus on herself and her own needs. Find out more about how to get support on the Pause website.