Caritas Care has joined voluntary adoption agencies (VAA’s) across the UK to launch a new advice guide helping more people understand how they could adopt a baby or toddler through early permanence.
For many people considering adoption, the dream is to welcome a younger child into their family. While many children waiting for adoption are older, there are opportunities for families who are open to adopting babies and toddlers, including through a route known as early permanence.
Early permanence, sometimes referred to as fostering for adoption, allows approved adopters to care for a baby or toddler from the earliest stages of their time in care. This means a child can experience the love, stability and consistency of a family environment from the beginning, while decisions are made about their future.
For young children, these early experiences are incredibly important. Early permanence can help reduce uncertainty and avoid unnecessary moves, supporting children to build secure attachments during the most important stages of their development.
The new advice guide has been created with the help of adoptive families who have provided early permanence care themselves. It shares honest, first-hand experiences of what the journey is really like – including the emotions, challenges and rewards of welcoming a baby or toddler into your home during a period of uncertainty.
At Caritas Care, we understand that adopting a baby or toddler is a big decision. Families considering this route need clear information, careful preparation and ongoing support to help them understand the journey ahead.
As a VAA, Caritas Care specialises in finding families for children who need them most and supporting adopters throughout every stage of their adoption journey. This includes preparation, training and lifelong support from the earliest stages of adoption and beyond.
Adoption is open to people from all walks of life. What matters most is the ability to provide a child with a safe, loving and nurturing home, alongside the resilience and commitment to support them as they grow.
Find out more about adopting babies and toddlers
If you are thinking about adoption and would like to understand more about the opportunities to adopt a baby or toddler, Caritas Care is hosting an Exploring Baby and Toddler Adoption Event.
The event will provide an opportunity to discover more about early permanence, find out what adopting a baby or toddler through this route involves, and ask questions with our experienced adoption team.
You will also hear more about the support available and what it means to begin your journey towards becoming an adoptive parent.
Book your place at our Exploring Baby and Toddler Adoption Event HERE
Advice Guide: Understanding Adoption via Early Permanence
The new early permanence advice guide shares real experiences from families who have already taken this journey, helping prospective adopters understand what to expect and decide whether this could be the right route for them.
Download the Early Permanence advice guide HERE
Kate Knowles, Head of Children’s Services at Caritas Care, said, “Adopting a baby or toddler can be a life-changing experienceand we know that many people have questions about how this is possible and what the journey involves.
“Early permanence can give children the opportunity to experience stability and security from the very start of their lives, while giving adopters the chance to build a strong bond from those earliest moments.
“We hope this guide and our upcoming event help more people understand the different routes into adoption and feel confident taking that first step towards becoming an adoptive family.”
