The role of the health visitor in supporting the needs of adoptive families

Often adoptive parents struggle to manage their children's complex needs as a result of the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences. Due to this, along with parent-child relationship difficulties, these families may require varying support. The health visiting service is in a prime position to be able to work with families to aid in the recognition and management of these needs. By being proactive in building positive relationships and the use of evidence-based interventions, health visitors can guide these families through the difficulties they face, supporting parents to offer a secure and happy environment to their adopted child. This article looks at current interventions and how these families could be further supported.