Campaign Focus
PATCH (Passionate Adopters Targeting Change with Hope) was established to illuminate the challenges faced by many adopters in crisis, exposing the inadequacies and harmful nature of current systems.
Drawing from lived experiences, we strive to enhance understanding and recognition, advocating for systemic reforms where support is better purposed, and inline with needs of the child and the family. With additional consideration that early life trauma left unhealed leaves a lasting legacy.
The hope is that such changes will benefit adopters, adoptees, and their families ultimately mitigating the blame and shame experience faced by adopters.
Upcoming
PATCH Advisory Network is being built. bringing together passionate adopters wanting to work together to target change. There will be 4-6 meetings per year where actions are considered and implemented, to ensure that we are building- awareness, compassion and empathy for adopters and better pathways for support, which eradicates oppressive blame tactics.
Most recent articles:
PATCH Word
Ongoing/ Recent
PATCH and Al Coates, and guests recently held a virtual event focused on safeguarding families in the adoption. We will be considered in current practice, impacts on parents and children and future practice.
Guest inclued Sarah Johal OBE and Vicki McKeown. If you wish to access the recordings click the links below –
Also I am ensuring my voice carries by being a member of the following –
Member of the Adoption Reference Group for DofE
Parent Panel member for the Family Rights Group
Panel member for the AUK Adoptee Group
Who we have spoken to….
AUK – Family Futures – Oxford Attach – Ofsted – SWE – Coram – Al Coates – DofE – Adoption England – MP’s far & wide – Newcastle Uni – National Adoption Recruitment Steering Group – Ridley & Hall – Adoption & Fostering Podcast – Social Work News – Betsy-De-Thierry – Wild Ways Therapy – VLM Therapy – PACT – Hertfordshire LA – & others, plus a significant amount of correspondence & information sharing through the Crisis Doc and other PATCH activities
Want to be a part of this –
join the patch group on Facebook, follow on X or link with me on Linkedin
https://www.facebook.com/groups/201352092616700/
@PATCH_Adoptcris
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-wells-patch-9064071a5
Who We Are
Driven by personal journeys and united in our mission, we strive to ensure that every adopter’s voice is heard, and every child’s trauma is addressed with expertise and empathy. Our commitment lies in pushing for meaningful change, challenging systemic failings, and advocating for the entire well-being of children and families within the adoption community.
Explore Who We Are
Voices
These narratives are not just stories; they are heartfelt pleas for understanding, empathy, and systemic change. From personal accounts to professional insights, each voice contributes to a richer, more nuanced dialogue on adoption, fostering, and the urgent need for a more empathetic and informed approach. Listen, reflect, and join us in our mission to transform the landscape of adoption and social care.
Hear Voices
Resources & Links
Here, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of tools, articles, guides, and invaluable insights aimed at supporting adopters, professionals, and anyone touched by the adoption process. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, understanding, or practical advice, our resources are meticulously selected to provide clarity, comfort, and direction.
Discover Resources & LinksLatest Posts
Jenny & Rosie – Festive Koala 5
This is hard to write. As I reflect on the complexities of my relationship with Rosie, one episode still stands out in my memory, burned in with shame and humiliation. Christmas 2021. As Covid just started to loosen its grip on our lives…..read more Festive koala
Read MoreGuide to Allegations
This collection offers perspectives from parents on allegations made by their children, who have endured trauma and adversity, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Sadly, parents caring for children with trauma symptoms often encounter extremely challenging behaviours, which can deeply affect family dynamics. These views reflect the shared experiences [...]
Read MoreCommitted to Building Change
I am committed to building change in the world of adoption (permanence). This journey has taken me on a rollercoaster of discovery and emotion. I feel the adversity I have experienced as an adoptee, an adopter, and now as a social worker facing biased social work practices as a mother. [...]
Read MorePreparing for Child Protection
When requesting support beyond the level of a Child in Need plan, Local Authorities (LAs) often initiate child protection plans for families in crisis. This can be a daunting and emotionally taxing process, where parents frequently feel misunderstood, judged, and unsupported by systems intended to help. This guide provides practical [...]
Read MoreJenny & Rosie – Scary 5
“Do you want me to break your knuckles?” It’s not a question I’m often asked. Had I bumped into one of the Krays? Switched on Peaky Blinders? No. This is what Rosie said to me the other day in response to my request (for the third time) that she clear [...]
Read MoreJenny & Rosie – Who is Safeguarding who? 4
Another new school, another panicky call from a teacher in the second week. Rosie has been indiscriminately (and forcefully) kissing other kids apparently and all their safeguarding alarm bells are ringing….,read more..
Read MoreJenny & Rosie – When your Hand is not your Hand 3
Answer: when it’s attached to your terrified daughter. Why is she so scared, walking through the car park into Waitrose? Because before she came to us, aged four, she had moments of wandering around the streets on her own. Read more……. When your hand is not your hand
Read MoreJenny & Rosie – Roadhog 2
What would Lewis Hamilton do, I sometimes think, on the 25-minute drive to school. Would he, entirely used to gripping the steering wheel and blocking out any distractions….read more Road Hog
Read MoreJenny & Rosie – Traumarama 1
This is a blog about being mum to 11 year-old Rosie; half tiger, half lawyer, adopted by us when she was 4. Only the names and disguising details are made up. Bad jokes and gut-wrenching sense of guilt all my own….Read more Traumarama
Read MoreChild To Parent Violence
For anyone who reads this story, I would ask that you consider as you are reading, what would happen if I was not talking about a child. If I was talking about an abusive partner or parent or other adult living in the same house. If my abuser was over [...]
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