We have been saddened to see the BBC's recent reports (published 28th November 2025) into adoption and the challenges facing adoptive families. It was particularly hard to hear some of the experiences that the families featured had to deal with, whilst feeling incredibly unsupported during very difficult times – something which goes against how we want our families to feel at ARC Adoption. 

Our aim is very much to create a supportive community, building relationships with our families as they travel through the adoption process with us and long afterwards. We hope that trust built over time helps families to be vulnerable with us and reach out for support when needed – for challenges both big and small, and know that our team will advocate for parents and children in a variety of scenarios as they navigate life together.

There are other important things we have embedded in our agency’s practice too; understanding the needs of children  and ensuring relevant assessments have been completed robustly, consulting with our agency psychologist and utilising appropriate matching tools such as our baseline assessment. These things all contribute to our agency supporting the best parent and child match possible. We know there are always things we can do better, so learning from experiences is important to us too. 

While we know that things are not always easy, it gives our team such immense pride to know we are playing our part in finding loving and safe homes for children, and helping our parents realise their dream of a rewarding family life with a child or children. We wanted to take the opportunity to reassure that we will always be there alongside.

Finally, we were very touched to receive this message following the BBC report, and believe it encapsulates what we hope to provide to you all:

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Its 6.22pm Friday 28th November. 
I’m in my kitchen crying at what I’ve just heard on the news about the BBC investigation re adopted children being returned to care.
I just want you and everyone at ARC to know and understand how amazing you all are and how supported we feel even this far out from our daughter coming to live with us. 
My heart breaks for those families who feel unsupported and I’m simply thankful that we are not in that position. Sometimes it’s not easy but you guys always understand us and are quick to find solutions and help 
We love you very much,
Sarah and Paul

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Should you wish to contact us in relation to anything raised in this message, you are welcome to do so here or please contact your dedicated support worker or social worker directly.

With our very best wishes,
Terry Fitzpatrick OBE, Director of ARC Adoption