At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of contact arrangements for adopted children and their birth families.
- Company: National Adoption Service for Wales, a collaborative organisation improving adoption services.
- Benefits: Part-time role with career progression opportunities and potential secondment options.
- Other info: Work collaboratively across Wales with various professionals and agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by supporting their identity and relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in adoption services and care planning is essential.
The National Adoption Service for Wales is a collaboration for the provision of adoption services across Wales. It brings together all local authority adoption services into five regional collaboratives, with co-ordination and leadership provided by a small central team and Director of Operations. Voluntary adoption agencies operating in Wales are important partners in the collaborative, as are other agencies such as health and education.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead the development and implementation of an approach to contact for children placed for adoption with their birth families and significant others. This work has been shaped in collaboration with all organisations within the National Adoption Service (NAS) and is grounded in the Welsh legislative context. It will particularly appeal to practitioners with experience in planning, supporting and reviewing adoption and contact arrangements, as well as those who have contributed to related development work.
Rooted in the principle that maintaining relationships and a sense of identity is vital for all adopted children, we are keen to encourage innovation and creativity to ensure that contact arrangements remain child-centred and responsive to individual needs. As part of the ongoing modernisation of adoption services in Wales—and with a growing number of children having plans for direct contact—this is a pivotal time for both adoption and children’s services. There is a clear need to strengthen and develop support for these arrangements as children grow and their needs evolve.
We are seeking applications from experienced practitioners who have a strong understanding of adoption services and care planning, and who can build effective working relationships with a wide range of professionals and agencies. Linked to the NAS Central Team in Cardiff but working across Wales with regional teams, local authorities and voluntary adoption agencies, the successful post holder will play a key role in supporting regional implementation of new and ongoing arrangements.
This temporary part-time post, for 24 months, will provide an exciting career progression/opportunity for a senior practitioner to lead and develop contact for children placed for adoption across Wales. You will be based within the Central Team and will work closely with the Adoption Support Development Manager and Head of Policy, Practice & Communication. A secondment may be considered for a successful applicant currently working within Welsh local authorities/adoption regions and other organisations that are part of the NAS collaborative.
Modern Adoption Contact Project Worker employer: CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL
The National Adoption Service for Wales is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment that prioritises the well-being of adopted children and their families. With a focus on innovation and creativity, employees are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute to meaningful change in adoption services across Wales. Located in Cardiff, the role provides unique opportunities for professional growth while working closely with a diverse range of professionals and agencies dedicated to improving adoption outcomes.
