ARC Adoption North East is among Voluntary Adoption Agencies from across the UK, who have created an advice guide for people considering adopting via Early Permanence, containing helpful information and advice from families who have become parents through this route.

Early Permanence, sometimes referred to as fostering for adoption, allows prospective adopters to care for a child from the earliest stages of their time in care, offering them stability and continuity, while decisions are made about the child’s future within the family court process.

Last year, ARC Adoption North East placed 5 children through early permanence.

Voluntary Adoption Agencies are encouraging people to consider this pathway, which can help provide children with a secure start in life, avoiding unnecessary moves and disruption.

They have created the guide, drawing on the lived experience of adoptive parents who have provided early permanence care. The advice shared comes directly from people who have been Early Permanence carers themselves, offering honest, first-hand insight into the realities of the journey. These families reflect openly on the challenges, emotions and rewards of welcoming a child into their homes at such a crucial stage.

The ARC Adoption team would like to thank all of the adoptive parents that have contributed to this guide. Sending a special shout out to our families who were involved - Lucy and Vicki, Naomi and Adam, and Karl and Adam. 

You can download the advice guide here. 

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Ayesha Foster, Head of Adoption Services at ARC Adoption said:

"Early permanence offers children the chance to experience stability and security at the earliest possible point in their lives. For adopters, it is a unique opportunity to build a bond from the very beginning, but it can also feel a little scary without the right support and information.

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We are proud that the guide highlights advice and thoughts from people who have already been early permanence carers, including those from our own agency, sharing their experiences to support and encourage others considering this path. We hope it reassures and inspires more people to take that first step."

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If you are interested in finding put more about adopting and Early Permanence, we'd love to hear from you. Please complete our enquiry form and our team will be in touch at a time that is convenient for you, or you are welcome to register for one of our  upcoming information events where we will talk more about Early Permanence.