As part of the work AFKA Scotland has been doing on the Supporting Roots project, Ariane Critchley has prepared a review of the evidence on the support offered to birth parents. This Scottish Government commissioned review is intended for use by practitioners, managers, and service providers who are developing the support available to birth parents in their area or agency. It offers a broad overview of research findings and provides a guide for what to consider, and where you might find out more, in order to offer a service or set of supports that meet the needs of birth parents.
The review is likely to be adapted as the project proceeds, particularly in the light of information provided by the parents involved, but is shared now as a contribution to the continuing development of services. It may be of particular interest to agencies who are considering a bid for the funding the Scottish Government has made available to develop services that support birth parents whose child(ren) have been permanently removed from their care (for information on the funding go to CORRA birth parents grant – closing date for applications 27/1/22).
We are currently recruiting birth family members who may wish to contribute to this programme of work, particularly in relation to their experiences of the Scottish legal processes, and of any support they may have received post-separation.
If you are in contact with anyone who may have an interest, please contact AFKA Scotland by email at: info@afkascotland.org