Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: The Power of Community for Adoptive Parents
- drmorvwenduncan
- May 16
- 3 min read
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation, is celebrating the theme of “community”. At The Lotus Psychology Practice, we are taking this opportunity to shine a light on how connection and support are essential for the wellbeing of adoptive parents and adoptive families.
The Hidden Struggles of Adoption
While every adoptive journey is unique, many parents face challenges that aren’t often spoken about. The early days of bonding with a child—especially if there’s been early trauma, attachment disruption, or developmental differences—can be emotionally intense. Adoptive parents may also experience anxiety, depression, grief, or post-adoption depression.
Dr Morvwen Duncan, the Lead Clinical Psychologist at The Lotus Psychology Practice, conducted a 3 year research study, exploring parental stress and secondary trauma in adoptive parents. In the quantitative study, almost one fifth of adoptive parents exhibited primary trauma scores of clinical concern; with 10% reaching the threshold for a probable diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The current behavioural and emotional challenges, including child-to-parent violence, predicted higher trauma scores, more so than the extent of their child’s past adverse experiences. A follow up, qualitative study highlighted the protective nature of a support network, and in particular, a support network of other adoptive families.
The Protective Power of Community
Community acts as a lifeline in the adoptive parenting journey. Research consistently shows that perceived social support reduces the risk of parental mental health difficulties. Support groups and peer networks have been found to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and enhance parental confidence (Houston & Kramer, 2008).
A Supportive Community Offers:
Emotional support: Shared stories, mutual understanding, and the reassurance that others “get it.”
Practical advice: From navigating education and health systems to managing tricky attachment behaviours, experienced parents and professionals can provide valuable insights.
Normalisation: Being part of an inclusive group reduces stigma and creates a sense of shared identity and resilience.
Connection to resources: Many adoptive parents only discover specialist services—like trauma-informed parenting workshops or therapeutic support—through word-of-mouth in their communities.
How to Find Your Community
Community doesn’t have to mean large social circles. Meaningful connection can come from small, consistent groups: whether it’s a local coffee morning, a WhatsApp group of adoptive parents, or a monthly support circle.
Some ideas for adoptive families include:
Local and national adoption support groups
Peer mentoring schemes through organisations like PAC-UK or Adoption UK
Therapeutic parenting workshops or courses
Inclusive baby classes and sensory groups
Family-friendly events hosted by local councils or adoption agencies
Online forums for adoptive and foster families
Local Adoption Support
Adoptive parenting isn’t something you have to do alone. Community isn’t just about being surrounded by others—it’s about being seen, understood, and supported. If you’re navigating life as a an adoptive family and would like professional support, reach out to us at The Lotus Psychology Practice, we are a group of HCPC-registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologists based in Berkhamsted and registered with local authorities to provide support to adoptive families through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF).
Hertfordshire
Adopt East
Adopt East offers a range of support services, including:
Adopter-led support groups
Therapeutic parenting programmes
Stay & play groups
Specialist groups for LGBTQ+ families, single adopters, and families with children with additional needs. Contact your local adoption agency for more information. adoption-focus.org.uk
Hertfordshire County Council – Adoption Support
Provides various services such as:
Counselling, advice, and information
Support groups for adoptive parents and children
Therapeutic services
Specialist trainingFor more details, visit their Adoption Support page.
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire County Council – Adoption Support
Offers comprehensive post-adoption support, including:
Counselling and advice
Support groups for adoptive parents and children
Therapeutic services
Specialist trainingContact the Adoption Support team at 01494 586 626 or visit their Adoption Support page.
PACT (Parents And Children Together) – Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership
In collaboration with Buckinghamshire Council, PACT provides:
Adopter and adoptee forums
Focused support groups for adopted children
Post-order services tailored to family needs.
Learn more at their Buckinghamshire Adoption Partnership page.
National Support
Adoption UK
A national charity offering:
Peer support groups-
Webinars and workshops
Online forums
Visit Adoption UK for more information
PAC-UK
Access their services via PAC-UK
CORAM-UK
Access their services via Coram UK
#ThisIsMyCommunity #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #AdoptiveParenting #TherapeuticParenting #PostAdoptionSupport
Duncan, M., Fearon, P., & Woolgar, M. (2024). Primary and secondary trauma in adoptive parents. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 13591045241287563.
Duncan, M., Fearon, P. & Woolgar, M. (2024). A qualitative exploration of how adoptive parents experience the direct and indirect trauma of their child’s early maltreatment. Adoption & Fostering.
Duncan, M., Woolgar, M., Ransley, R., & Fearon, P. (2021). Mental health and behavioural difficulties in adopted children: A systematic review of post-adoption risk and protective factors. Adoption & Fostering.
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