Review and strengthen safeguarding for children before and after adoption by improving multi-agency working, recognising professional judgement alongside evidence, and considering routine and unannounced welfare visits before Adoption Orders.

As a foster carer and adopter, I believe children placed for adoption are among the most vulnerable in society, often having experienced abuse, neglect or trauma. Most adoptive families provide loving homes, but vulnerability does not end when a child is placed. I believe safeguarding should be reviewed to ensure professional judgement, information sharing and appropriate welfare visits help identify concerns before harm occurs. A child does not stop being vulnerable when they become adopted.