Hundreds of parents have described their profound difficulties in accessing support for their adopted children, painting a stark picture of a system described by a charity as being “under severe strain.” These parents, sharing their experiences, have detailed significant struggles with addiction and mental health issues affecting their children, often feeling like they are “a lone person battling the system.” The accounts highlight a widespread problem where essential services and therapeutic interventions are either unavailable, inaccessible, or fall woefully short of meeting the complex needs of adopted children.
Charitable organizations working with these families report an alarming increase in the severity and complexity of cases presenting to them. They attribute this to the immense pressure on existing support structures, leading to long waiting lists and a lack of specialized services crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by adopted children and their families. These challenges can stem from early life trauma, neglect, or adverse experiences before adoption, often manifesting in behavioral, emotional, and psychological difficulties that require tailored and sustained professional help.
The stories shared by parents underscore a consistent theme of frustration and desperation. Many report facing bureaucratic hurdles, a lack of understanding from statutory services about the specific needs of adopted children, and insufficient funding for necessary therapies. This often leaves parents feeling isolated and unsupported, forced to navigate a complex and often unyielding system on their own. The charity’s assessment suggests that the current provision is not equipped to handle the volume and intensity of demand, creating a crisis for families who are struggling to provide adequate care and support for their children. The prevailing sentiment among those affected is one of being overlooked and underserved, despite the critical importance of timely and effective intervention for the well-being of adopted children and the stability of their families.
