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Championing the modernisation of adoption

CVAA’s third strategic priority is to work with members, adopted people and their families, and stakeholders across the UK, to influence and shape the modernisation of adoption, increasing understanding of the imperative for change and the benefits for children and families.

The need for change

Despite the brilliant work VAAs do building relationships and supporting families, the adoption sector still does not meet the needs of 21st century families and future generations of children. At a policy level there is a need to be more evidenced based, with statutory guidance catching up with good practice. Training of social workers must be improved if we are to change the perception of the public, and some professionals, about what adoption means for children today. More accountability from all UK governments is needed, and the process of care must become more child centred in determining the best permanency plan for each child.

We are:

  • Providing system leadership through convening, informing and supporting VAAs and partners to develop ideas and best practice to increase the pace of adoption reform.
  • Influencing key decision makers (including the judiciary, educators, the legal profession) and reaching new audiences with the message that adoption needs to continue to evolve and that VAAs are committed to delivering services developed through understanding the lived experience of adoptees and their families.
  • Building alliances for change across all sectors to influence political thinking and public awareness, shifting the narrative of modern adoption.
  • Influencing changes to legislation and regulations over time through informed research and dissemination of learning from the lived experiences of adoptees.

Recent progress:

  • In 2022 CVAA published independent analysis from Sonnet Advisory & Impact on the value adoption brings to children, families and wider society. This analysis has since been widely used, most recently in the Public Law Working Group report to demonstrate the value of adoption but need for reform in how it approaches children’s relationships.
  • CVAA runs and contributes to numerous forums on improving adoption practice.
  • CVAA’s Practice Programme has an extensive programme of training and practice sharing events for practitioners to advance their learning and contribute to the modernisation of adoption.