Adoption England has launched new national guidance on Meet Before Match (MBM) to provide a clear and consistent framework for practice across England.

This guidance establishes a national framework for the consistent, safe, and child centred use of Meet Before Match (MBM) across England. MBM refers to structured, purposeful meetings between a child and prospective adopters prior to formal matching decisions. While not a statutory requirement, MBM can strengthen matching analysis, support relational understanding, and enhance permanence planning when used proportionately and with clear purpose. 

Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead at Adoption England said:

"This guidance represents an important step forward in supporting the matching of children with adopters as practice continues to evolve. While Meet Before Match meetings have been used for some time, this guidance offers a clear and helpful framework for applying the approach in a more thoughtful and purposeful way. I believe it will strengthen practice across agencies by promoting more confident decision-making, better preparation, and a stronger emphasis on emotional safety for everyone involved."

The guidance clarifies appropriate use, reinforces the distinction between MBM and transitions planning after the agency decision has been agreed for the match, and sets expectations regarding preparation, recording, emotional safety, and professional boundaries. It promotes greater consistency across agencies while maintaining flexibility for individual circumstances. Underpinning the framework is a commitment to trauma responsive practice, robust decision-making, and the recognition that each child’s journey to permanence is unique.