What is a Young Person’s ‘Connect’ Co-ordinator?

The Young Person’s ‘Connect’ Co-ordinator develops and establishes age appropriate support groups in North Wales for adopted children and young people.

Co-working with Adoption UK, the Young Person’s ‘Connect’ Co-ordinator will build a positive relationship with adopted children, and provide a service based on their needs, either on a one to one basis or within a safe ’Connected’ group environment.

Connected is the name of a bespoke service for adopted children age 7- 10 and young people age 11 – 25 years old.

Monthly groups aim to improve children and young peoples’ self-confidence, build self-esteem, develop life skills and reduce the sense of isolation which some adopted children experience. This is achieved by offering a range of activities such as art, drama, circus skills, healthy eating/cooking and music sessions to name but a few.

As well as fun and creative activities, the young people age 11- 25 years old are also offered the opportunity to help produce material for their peers, to speak to professionals and prospective adopters about their experiences as adopted people and to have their voices and opinions heard by wider society.

The service is provided through a unique collaboration between Adoption UK and the five regional adoption services of Wales and is funded by grants from Welsh Government.

Referrals can be made to the post adoption service with the young person and families consent.