The ARC Adoption Team

The outstanding ARC Adoption team consider it a real privilege to work in the field of adoption. The dedicated team work tirelessly, using their extensive knowledge and skills to increase the opportunities for children to experience a positive family life.

Terry Fitzpatrick

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

Angela Rutherford

Senior Adoption Practitioner Read more

Victoria Holton

Counsellor Read more

Sarah Shippen

Administration Assistant Read more

Lynn Applegarth

Adoption Support Worker Read more

Teresa Kingdon

Senior Family Support Worker Read more

Donna Mease

Adoption Support Co-Ordinator Read more

Lauren Huntley

Family Support Worker Read more

Ayesha Foster

Senior Adoption Practitioner Read more

Rob Johnson

Clinical Psychologist Read more

Sylvia Moffett

Adoption Social Worker Read more

Veronica Cairns

Domestic Read more

Lisa Parkin

Finance and Office Manager Read more

Carol Belk

Adoption Social Worker 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

Pam Molloy

Adoption Social Worker Read more

Latest

Fostering for Adoption Workshop - Thursday 10th February 2022

ARC Adoption North East would like to invite their adopters to a Fostering for Adoption workshop. It outlines the key aspects of the Fostering for Adoption process and how it differs from mainstream adoption. Come and join the team to find out more.
Adopting Brothers and Sisters Workshop - Wednesday 9th February 2022

ARC Adoption North East would like to invite their families to a seminar around placing brothers and sisters to highlight and increase awareness of things to consider.
We Made a Wish - Digital Magazine

We Made a Wish was developed by adoptive mother to two girls, Suzy, and aims to raise awareness of adoption and share different experiences.
Information Event About Adoption – Thursday 3rd February 2022

Join us at our February online information event to find out more about adoption, the process and the outstanding support available to you from our experienced team.

How adoption works

Adoption is a way of providing new families for children who cannot be looked after by their birth parents and need to belong to a new family.
How long does the UK adoption process take?
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.
Fostering for adoption

At ARC Adoption North East are committed to exploring different routes to adoption. ARC Adoption offers an early permanence route, often referred to as fostering for adoption or foster to adopt. Fostering for adoption means that young children, usually babies, are placed at a young age with approved potential adopters who would also be approved temporary foster carers whilst the family court decides on the child’s future.
Initial visit

Following your initial enquiry, if you would like to progress with the adoption process a member of ARC Adoption North East’s team will visit you in your home. The initial visit will be very informal and take place at a date and time that is convenient for you and will last about two hours. It’s an opportunity to have your questions answered in more detail and help the team get to know you better.
Checks and references

Stage one of the adoption process begins after you have received some general information, an initial visit at your home and ARC Adoption North East are in receipt of your ‘registration of interest’ from you.
Finding the right child for you

Once you become an approved adopter, it’s time to start looking for the right child or children that will join your family.
LGBTQ+ Adopters

At ARC Adoption North East, we welcome enquiries and applications from everyone, including all members of the LGBT+ community.
Intercountry adoption

ARC Adoption North East is registered with Ofsted to provide inter-country adoption services
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.