Adoption Resources - Western Bay Adoption Services

Therapeutic Parenting in a Nutshell: Positive and Pitfalls
Sarah Naish
Aimed at all carers, parents and supporting professionals working with children who have suffered early life trauma. Sarah Naish uses her first-hand experience to clearly explain the differences between ‘standard’ parenting and ‘therapeutic’ parenting, with case studies and examples of good therapeutic parenting strategies, along with practical applications. This short introductory book provides answers for all those caring for children with attachment difficulties, explaining why we need to parent our children differently, common additional challenges faced by Therapeutic Parents, and the best way to resolve them. Find out more at: www.coect.co.uk.

The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting: Strategies and Solutions
Sarah Naish
The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting gives parents or caregivers an easy to follow process to use when responding to issues with their children. The following A-Z covers 60 common problems parents face, from acting aggressively to difficulties with sleep, with advice on what might trigger these issues, and how to respond. Easy to navigate and written in a straightforward style, this book is a ‘must have’ for all therapeutic parents.

Parenting with Theraplay: Understanding Attachment and How to Nurture a Closer Relationship with Your Child
Helen Roswell and Vivian Norris
An invaluable book for adoptive parents! By providing an overview of Theraplay and the psychological principles that it is based on, parents and carers will gain an understanding of the basic theory of the model along with practical ideas for applying Theraplay to everyday family life. Through everyday case studies and easy language, parents will gain confidence and learn new skills for emotional bonding, empathy, and acceptance in the relationship with their child.

The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma
The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma is an umbrella organisation combining resources, research and knowledge from cutting edge experts in the sector.
National Association of Therapeutic Parenting
The aim of the NAOTP is to provide support, education and a wealth of resources for therapeutic parents. Membership is from £4.99 a month.
Inspire Training Group
Inspire Training Group are leading experts in Therapeutic Parenting and Trauma. Established in 2007 and draws on the experience of a number of professionals including Attachment specialists within the therapeutic community, adopters and foster carers. Many online courses available – most at a cost of £5.

Truth Be Told: National Adoption Service
One of the best ways to find out more about adoption is to hear from people who have been there and done it. An insightful and heart-warming listen.
The Adoption and Fostering Podcast - Al Coates and Scott Casson-Renne
Al is an adoptive parent and social worker and Scott is an adoptive parent and Head of Engagement for Adoption UK. There are nearly 200 podcasts to listen to covering a huge range of issues relating to adoption. The Adoptee Conversations are of particular interest.
BBC Radio 4 - The Adoption
The award winning podcast. A family is being shattered; can a new one be created? A UK adoption through the eyes of all those affected. 19 months in the making and one which we very highly recommended.

Lion
2016
A five year old Indian boy is adopted by an Australian couple after getting lost hundreds of kilometres from his home. 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family. A beautiful and moving film.

Secrets and Lies
1996
Following the death of her adoptive parents, a successful young black optometrist establishes contact with her biological mother – a lonely white factory worker living in poverty in East London. An intense film.

Instant Family
Netflix
Based on a true story this film follows a couple who initially foster a sibling group of three children. It’s an American movie and as such there are very different aspects to adoption however at its heart this is a funny, uplifting and extremely moving film – tissues at the ready though!

A whole adoption community has sprung up on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Some we can think of are: ‘Notafictionalmum’; ‘mollymamaadopt’; ‘adoptionUK’; ‘you.can.adopt’ ‘2dadsandalittlelad’, ‘Daddy, Dad & Me’ to name just a few. If you come across any you think are great do let us know! We find out loads from our own adopters too. Facebook has Therapeutic Parenting groups and prospective adopters groups.
And of course – you can follow Western Bay on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!!