Reforming
Adoption
Support in
Scotland
Bringing together adopted people, adoptive families, professionals and policymakers to improve adoption support and deliver better outcomes across Scotland.
36%
Adoptive families facing severe difficulties (crisis)
ADUK Barometer 2026
1000
UK Adoptees Returned to Care System in 5 Years
BBC – The Blame Game 2025
72%
Adoptive families facing
challenges
ADUK Barometer 2026
WHY IS REFORM NEEDED?
Adopted children and families deserve support at the right time, for as long as it is needed.
Evidence from families, practitioners and research shows that the current system is not consistently delivering that support.
Families are
struggling
Many adoptive families face complex challenges linked to early life adversity and its associated developmental and emotional impacts. Too often, support arrives only when families reach a crisis point.
Support is
fragmented
Access to services varies significantly across Scotland. Families often face long waits, unclear pathways and inconsistent provision depending on where they live.
Young people are being left behind
Support frequently reduces as children reach adolescence and young adulthood, despite these being key periods when additional help may be required.
The cost of inaction
is high
When support fails, the consequences can be devastating for children and families. The emotional cost is immeasurable and the financial cost to public services can be substantial.
Government Commitments
Tracking progress against commitments made to adoptive families across Scotland.
On 21 May 2026, following the Scottish Parliament debate on adoption support and the publication of the Cross-Party Group on Social Work report Strengthening the Safety Net: A Framework for Adoption Support in Scotland, Natalie Don-Innes MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, announced a series of commitments aimed at improving adoption support across Scotland.
The Scottish Adoption Alliance is tracking progress against these commitments and reporting publicly on their delivery.
Scottish Parliament Debate
21 MAY 2026
Adoption support debate held in the Scottish Parliament following publication of the Cross-Party Group report.
Ministerial Response
NATALIE DON-INNES MSP
Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise announced a programme of adoption support reform.
7 Commitments Made
ADOPTION SUPPORT COMMITMENTS
Seven commitments were made to improve support for adoptive families across Scotland.
The Commitment Tracker
Following publication of the Cross-Party Group on Social Work’s report and the subsequent Scottish Parliament debate, seven commitments were made to improve adoption support across Scotland. This tracker monitors progress against those commitments.
Review Adoption Support Guidance
Commitment MadeReview the 2011 adoption and looked-after children guidance to ensure it reflects current evidence and practice.
Statutory Adoption Support Guidance
Commitment MadeConsider using powers within the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 to introduce statutory guidance.
Improve Support Services
Commitment MadeImprove preparation, crisis intervention, respite support, adoption allowances and professional training.
Peer Support Promotion
Commitment MadeRequire local authorities to actively promote peer support throughout and beyond the adoption journey.
Adoption Breakdown Definition & Data Collection
Commitment MadeDevelop a shared national definition of adoption breakdown and improve consistency of data collection across Scotland.
Care Experience Inclusion
Commitment MadeEnsure guidance linked to the Care Experience Bill explicitly includes adopted children and young people.
CAMHS & Therapeutic Support Access
Commitment MadeContinue work to improve access to mental health and therapeutic support for adopted children and young people.
The challenge now is delivery.
The Scottish Government has recognised the need for change. The Alliance is tracking progress and reporting publicly on delivery.
Powered by Lived Experience
The Scottish Adoption Alliance was not created by government or professionals. It was created because adoptive families, adult adoptees and those working alongside them knew that Scotland could do better.
The Alliance grew from the work of PATCH – Passionate Adopters Targeting Change with Hope and the experiences of hundreds of families who have shared both the successes and the challenges of adoption.
PATCH has spent years bringing together adoptive parents, listening to lived experience and campaigning for meaningful change. Those voices helped shape the Alliance and continue to guide everything we do.
While PATCH remains an independent adopter-led community, the Scottish Adoption Alliance brings together everyone who shares a commitment to improving outcomes for adopted children, young people, adults and families across Scotland.
Real experiences. Shared purpose. Lasting change.
