Adoption England, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Care at Oxford Brookes University, is delivering the Becoming a Family pilot, an early support model for adoptive families designed to ensure timely, proactive support during the critical first year after placement. The model is being co-developed with regional adoption agencies, professionals across the sector, and those with lived experience.

As part of the pilot’s development, early feedback was gathered through interviews and focus groups with those delivering and leading the programme in different regions. These initial reflections offer valuable insights into what’s working well and where further clarity or support might be helpful.

There is widespread support for the idea of a consistent Core Offer, and a strong sense that all families are likely to need some level of support. Importantly, professionals highlighted the positive shift in messaging, from “you might need support” to “you will need support,” which helps normalise support-seeking behaviours early in the adoption journey.

The Purple Book, introduced as part of the model, has been welcomed as a practical tool to support early reflection, encourage open conversations, and manage expectations. Many practitioners also noted that Becoming a Family has created more structured opportunities to connect with families proactively, offering the right support at the right time.

At the same time, feedback highlighted the need for greater clarity around the model’s scope and aims, as well as practical support for embedding it consistently into local systems and ways of working. Some teams expressed a need for more time and guidance, while others emphasised the importance of flexibility in how the model is applied.

This early feedback marks a key step in understanding how the Becoming a Family approach is taking shape on the ground. Adoption England would like to thank all the professionals who have contributed so far. Their insight will help shape the next stages of development and ensure the model continues to be informed by those closest to its delivery.

Further updates on the pilot will be shared later in the year.