The ARC Adoption Team

The whole ARC Adoption team considers it a real privilege to work in the field of adoption. Growing from an initial team of nine to the 22-strong team it is today, the ARC Adoption family is dedicated to increasing the opportunities for children to experience a positive family life, and supporting our adoptive families as they navigate life together.

Click on the profiles below to learn more about our team:

Terry Fitzpatrick OBE

Director Read more

Lorraine Jefferson

Assistant Director Read more

Joan Archer

Senior Adoption Social Worker Read more

Clare Rowe

Administration Assistant Read more

Linda Blackburn-Carris

Senior Adoption Practitioner Read more

Carol Cresswell

Family Support Worker Read more

Victoria Holton

Counsellor Read more

Sarah Shippen

Administration Assistant Read more

Lynn Applegarth

Senior Adoption Support Worker Read more

Teresa Kingdon

Senior Family Support Worker Read more

Donna Mease

Team Manager - Adoption Support Read more

Lauren Huntley

Family Support Worker Read more

Ayesha Foster

Adoption and Permanence Manager Read more

Rob Johnson

Clinical Psychologist Read more

Sylvia Moffett

Senior Adoption Practitioner Read more

Lisa Parkin

Head of Finance and Administration Read more

Caroline Blakie

Family Support Worker Read more

Joanne Robinson

Senior Adoption Practitioner Read more

Joan Johnson

Birth Parent Support Assistant Read more

Nicola Storey

Marketing and Business Manager Read more

Colleen Parkin Stewart

Adoption Social Worker - Enquiries Team Read more

Michael Bettencourt

Education Adviser Read more

Cathrine Airey

Birth Parent Support Worker Read more

Latest

Virtual Adoption Information Event - Thursday 6th August 2026

If adopting is something you are wanting to explore, our team can help you understand more about the process and the support available from ARC, at an information event.
Understanding Adoption via Early Permanence - Advice from Adopters

ARC Adoption has joined VAAs in creating a guide for people considering the Early Permanence route to adoption, featuring advice from adopters.
Adoption Information Event in Sunderland - Saturday 1st August 2026

Join our friendly team and an adoptive family in Sunderland for an adoption information event. Get all of your questions answered and see where we support our families.
How important is money and finances when adopting?

Most read

Could the North East Secure Start Package help you adopt?

If concerns about managing early practical costs or taking time off work have help you back from adopting, you may be interested in the North East Secure Start Package.
How adoption works

Adoption is a way of providing new loving and permanent families for children who cannot be looked after by their birth parents.
Gillian and Ryan's story - adopting sisters

We spoke to parents Gillian and Ryan, who adopted two sisters with our support in 2016. Here they talk about meeting their children, the wonderful impact their girls have made on their lives, and offer advice for others thinking about adopting siblings.
Sisters in need of a loving home. Could you be their family?

We are looking for a loving home for a 4 year old little girl, and her 6 year old sister who has complex health and care needs. Find out more about them on our special webpage.
Early Permanence

With Early Permanence adoption, prospective adopters are also temporarily approved as foster carers so they can provide early stability and continuity of care to a baby, child or siblings who they may go on to adopt.
Matching panel

Once the family finding process is complete the match will need to be agreed formally by the adoption panel for the child’s agency. If approval is recommended by the adoption panel for the match, the child’s adoption agency decision maker then makes the final decision.
How long does the UK adoption process take?
Contact us

At ARC Adoption North East we value your opinion. All compliments, comments and complaints are accepted and considered with the greatest respect. Your feedback is welcomed to help develop ARC Adoption North East’s services.
Stage One - Checks and References

Stage One of the adoption process is our safeguarding stage. During this stage, various checks are completed and you undertake your first weekend of training.
Meet Jonnie and Mara - twins in need of a forever family

As part of our Better off together campaign we are encouraging prospective adopters to consider adopting more than one child. To help picture what that could look like, we meet Jonnie and Mara.