Financial support
There may be financial support available for families with adopted children and/or those with additional needs.
Adoption leave and pay
If you are employed, you may also be entitled to adoption pay and leave entitlements. Adoption leave and payments can be shared between two parents.
Childcare
Children who are adopted could receive free childcare from two-year olds, as well as additional childcare hours (up to 30) for three to four year olds with working parents.
Education
Adopted children receive Early Years Pupil Premium and Pupil Premium Plus whilst they are in full-time education up to the age of 18.
There is educational financial support available to young adults who attend college and/or higher education such as university, subject to eligibility.
Visit our Education page to find out more
Disability
Financial support may be available to families and children under the age of 18 years who meet the government’s eligibility for a range of benefits. These include:
Other support
Families may be able to claim Child Benefit and/or Universal Credit to help with living costs.
For more information regarding other support for your household, please see additional funding here:
Hampshire
Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) - The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) can help people in Hampshire who are finding it hard to afford everyday essentials.
Isle of Wight
Portsmouth City Council
Southampton City Council
How to contact us
Families at any stage of adoption, whether before or after the Adoption Order, can contact us for advice, guidance or support.
Pre-order families
If you are in Stage 2 of the adoption process, your allocated social worker in the Stage 2 Assessment and Support Team is your main point of contact. They will guide you through your assessment, provide support, and information on workshops and events you can access.
If you are unsure who to speak to or need additional help, please email the Stage 2 Assessment and Support Team on [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Post-order families
Please call our friendly Adoption Support Team’s Advice and Support Line on 0300 3000 001 or request a call back from a member of our team.
We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm (closes at 4:30pm on Fridays). Please note we are closed on Bank Holidays.