Message to Friends of SWAN
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Comments from individuals who
have used SWAN's services..

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April 2003

Dear Friends of SWAN

Its hard to know where to start with all the things that have happened over the last six months. I am spending much of my time, establishing the infrastructures that will allow SWAN to develop into a Government approved adoption support agency under the new Adoption Support legislation, that is : when I am not trying to get the computers to work!

From October 2003 local authorities have a duty to provide counselling support to adopters and adopted children. By April 2004 we will see rights of access to records for birth parents, and the registration of adoption support agencies.

I am working with a DOH (Department of Heath) group, which is considering how we can develop intermediary services and implement the new legislation with consistency, across Britain. The challenge for SWAN is huge, for we need to continue to provide the services we have been offering and to expand and develop new areas of work whilst keeping within budget and seeking funding for new projects.

In order to do this we urgently need to strengthen our management committee, develop our fundraising, and recruit the other non-subscribing authorities to join us. Then we will be in a really strong position to develop the work of post adoption support throughout the region. My vision is for us to have at least two more part time staff and extra administrative help by 2005. It would be very helpful to have a permanent fundraiser, a training officer, and a volunteer co-ordinator, as well as a better-developed computer support system. These things will enable us to develop security financially, to raise awareness about adoption issues and improve practices, and most importantly to cope with the increasing demand on our counselling services. I anticipate that there will be a huge surge of people wanting to trace relatives when the publicity surrounding the new act comes in. Also there is an increasing demand from adopters for help managing difficult placements.

This is being demonstrated through the great success of our new pilot project, the adoption support clinic. So far most users have been very happy with the increased access to skilled consultation about attachment issues and managing difficult behaviour.

Our evaluation system gives us an opportunity to hear from our service users about the actual services, and as you will see from some of the comments, our counsellors work is very much valued.

My thanks go out to all the workers and volunteers who help us to keep things going at SWAN and for the wonderful work of our committee. I hope you enjoy this website and may feel able to contribute to the next one. Personal stories are particularly welcome and as always all offers of help are gratefully received.
Best Wishes

Su O'Donnell, Manager

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If you would like to support our adoption support services you can become a Friend of SWAN, or a volunteer.

We want to encourage our users and past users to keep in touch with us and to tell others about SWAN. This will enable us to expand our groups and services.

For a yearly of £10.00 you will receive:-

• 2 Newsletters
• and information about events

We also like to receive articles about your experiences for the newsletter.

To become a friend of SWAN please print the leaflet , and post to:

"SWAN"
The Park
Daventry Road
Knowle
Bristol
BS4 1QD

Alternatively, email us.

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