Reading charity leads national advice drive
Reading adoption charity Parents And Children Together (PACT) has worked with voluntary adoption agencies across the UK to publish a new guidance resource on early permanence — also known as fostering for adoption — setting out what the route involves and the support available. The move is intended to help prospective adopters understand how caring for a child from the outset of their time in care can provide vital stability while court decisions are made about long‑term arrangements.
Early permanence places a child with approved carers at the earliest possible stage, aiming to reduce changes of home and the disruption that can follow. According to the agencies involved, the approach can offer a more consistent start in life while statutory processes continue in the family courts. The guidance collates first‑hand experiences from families who have provided early permanence care, offering practical insight into the emotional and logistical realities of the pathway.
What early permanence involves
Voluntary adoption agencies — independent, not‑for‑profit organisations — have set out how this pathway works alongside local authorities and regional adoption agencies. They emphasise that specialist preparation and ongoing support are fundamental throughout the process and afterwards, reflecting the distinct responsibilities and uncertainties that early permanence carers accept while final care plans are determined.
- Prospective adopters may care for a child from the earliest stage of their time in care.
- The arrangement aims to minimise unnecessary moves and provide continuity.
- Voluntary adoption agencies work closely with statutory partners to ensure guidance and support.
- Preparation, training and long‑term support are embedded across the journey.
Voices of experience
The newly released guide draws on the lived experience of adopters who have already navigated early permanence, offering candid reflections on the challenges and rewards. PACT’s Adoption Service Director Lorna Hunt underlined the balance between opportunity and responsibility for families considering the route.
“Early permanence offers children the chance to experience stability and security at the earliest possible point in their lives.
For adopters, it is a unique opportunity to build a bond from the very beginning, but it can also feel daunting without the right support and information.”
Local context and capacity
PACT, based in Reading and active across the Thames Valley, says voluntary adoption agencies are particularly experienced in supporting early permanence arrangements. Their staff work with local authorities and regional adoption agencies to match children and carers and to provide the wraparound support that families may need as plans progress through court. The emphasis on training, practical preparation and continuity of care is designed to help both children and adults manage uncertainty during this sensitive period.
For families in Wokingham and surrounding areas who are exploring routes to adoption, the guidance aims to demystify early permanence and to set out realistic expectations. By amplifying testimonies from carers, it highlights the emotional demands of caring for a child before legal permanence is resolved, while explaining the safeguards and professional support that accompany the pathway.
Why it matters for Wokingham families
Access to early permanence can have significant implications locally, particularly where avoiding a change of carer can help with bonding, health appointments, and nursery or school transitions. With voluntary agencies working alongside councils, the approach also has potential to ease pressure on the wider care system by reducing placement moves. The new advice is pitched at those considering adoption who want a fuller picture of what stepping forward at an early stage entails.
Data snapshot
PACT reports that last year it placed 14 children through early permanence, representing 17% of the 81 children placed with PACT families overall.
| Measure | Number |
|---|---|
| Children placed via early permanence | 14 |
| Total children placed with PACT families | 81 |
| Share via early permanence | 17% |
The charity and its partner agencies say the new guide is designed to help would‑be adopters weigh up early permanence in an informed way, with clear signposting to the training and support frameworks that are available throughout the process.
