Hansard

I begin by thanking Fulton MacGregor for bringing this important discussion on adoption support in Scotland to the chamber. This debate is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of adoptive families and to consider how our national system continues to grow and improve. I also wish to recognise the work of the cross-party group on social work, which authored the report. Its engagement with adoptive families, adopted people and practitioners is a foundation for discussion. The report provides a clear account of the current position of adoption support across Scotland and offers a practical framework for the future.

Adoption is a lifelong journey. It is a commitment that begins with a placement and continues throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Children who are adopted can often carry the effects of early adversity, trauma, abuse or neglect. Their experiences are part of their early lives, and their needs develop as they grow. Support is therefore an essential element of stability. The evidence presented in the report shows that many adoptive families are managing complex circumstances. As mentioned by my colleagues Fulton MacGregor and Roz McCall, the Adoption UK barometer indicates that

“78% of adoptive families in Scotland face significant challenges, with 40% reporting severe difficulties”.

Behind those figures are families who are providing care, security and opportunity for children who require constant support.

Adoptive families across Scotland share many common experiences. Access to support is often shaped by local structures and available resources, rather than needs. That pattern creates different journeys for families, and a national framework is therefore an important step towards consistency. Consistency would be a great source of confidence for families, and it is also a foundation for long-term stability.

The report also highlights the importance of reliable data. Creating a shared definition of adoption, disruption and breakdown is a practical starting point for the standardisation of data. Collecting such data is a viable tool for planning services and measuring outcomes. When information is clear and consistent, policy decisions are stronger and support systems are more responsive.

One of the central messages of the report is that adoption and support are an on-going process. Many children are placed for adoption at a young age, and their vulnerabilities often become more visible during adolescence and transition into adulthood. Those stages of life are periods of growth and change, and they are times when professional support is especially valuable.

At present, support is often delivered by specialist adoption teams in the early years following placement and responsibility then moves to general children and family services. However, families benefit from services that are accessible and responsive at early stages of need. Trauma-informed services, respite care and intensive family support are practical resources that strengthen family relationships and support stability in the home throughout a child’s development. Specialist knowledge of trauma and attachment is a valuable element of effective support, and continued access to that expertise is beneficial for families throughout the life of a child. We must ensure that such specialist support is available to those who need it.

Recommendations in the report provide a clear path forward: a national adoption practice model is a foundation for consistent standards; mandatory data collection is a tool for accountability; improved professional training is a pathway for better understanding; and minimum standards for preparation and support are elements that promote quality and trust throughout the system.

Peer support is another important feature of effective adoptive services. Connections between families who share life experiences are a valuable source of reassurance and practical guidance. Community-based support networks are a meaningful complement to formal services and they strengthen resilience across adoptive communities. Collaboration is a strength that will be central to progress in this area. Engagement with adoptive families, adopted people, practitioners and local authorities creates a pathway to shared understanding. Policy with professional knowledge and lived experience at its core is a source of strength. The partnership approach supports services that are responsive and effective.

Adoption should bring stability, belonging and opportunity. Families across Scotland are providing loving homes and nurturing futures. A national strategy for adoption support is an opportunity to strengthen that work and ensure that services are consistent, accessible and informed by experience.

I recognise the dedication of those who contributed to the report and who shared their knowledge and insight. Their work is a valuable contribution to Parliament, and this debate is an opportunity to affirm our shared commitment to adoptive families and adopted children across Scotland.

I give my best wishes to the minister. Whatever her future holds, I wish her good luck.

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