Tadpoles Evaluation

Read evaluation report   

Since January 2013 Scottish Adoption has been running a new programme that aims to support the development of attachment between adoptive parents and children through play.

The evaluation examined the impact the programme has on parent/child interactions and the development of attachment.

Main findings

• Overall parents were positive about their experiences of taking part in the programme and could identify a number of benefits of participation.
• The two most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to be part of a group of parents going through similar experiences, and the opportunity to be observed, and reassured, by the Senior Practitioners.

So what?

The findings suggest that, by reassuring parents, the programme has contributed to a reduction in the stress they were feeling with regard to the adoption process and building attachment with their child. A reduction in stress is likely to have a positive impact on parents’ relationships with the child and others.

What next?

Some further flexibility may also be required so that the programme can more readily attend to personal needs and preferences.

The programme is funded by a grant from the Communities and Families Fund.