JWP Solicitors’ director Damien Dobson appears on BBC Breakfast - highlighting the growing crisis of adoption breakdown

Later the same day, a documentary on the same topic aired nationwide, bringing much-needed attention to the growing number of adoptive families and children affected by failed adoptions.

What is Adoption Breakdown - and Why It Matters

“Adoption Breakdown” refers to situations where an adoption - originally intended to provide a stable, permanent home for a child - ultimately fails, leading to placement disruption, return to care, or other forms of separation. The reasons behind such breakdowns are complex. Many adopted children have experienced early trauma, neglect or abuse, which can result in long-term emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges.

Often, the support available through existing frameworks is insufficient, especially after formal adoption is finalised. The result: parents feel isolated, children with complex needs struggle without adequate trauma-informed care, and families face heartbreaking breakdowns long after what should have been a “forever home.”

About Damien Dobson

Damien Dobson is a Solicitor and Director at JWP Solicitors, admitted in 2008, with a background in family, childcare, adult care and mental health law. He is an Accredited member of the Law Society Children Panel and represents local authorities, children, parents, and grandparents in Family and High Courts. He specialises in adoption law - including cases of adoption breakdown - often representing adoptive parents in care proceedings. He is a member of the Association of Qualified Legal Representatives.

What Topics were Addressed by the Feature?

During the interview, and in subsequent features, Damien and Fiona spoke about:

• The rising occurrence of adoption breakdown in the UK - and why it frequently goes unseen.
• The emotional, behavioural and mental-health impact on adopted children - and the ensuing strain on adoptive families.
• The gaps in post-adoption support, especially for older children and young adults.
• The urgent need for trauma-informed care, long-term therapeutic support, and proper public understanding of adoption breakdown.

Where People Can Get Help & Support

Families or individuals concerned about adoption breakdown, or those seeking advice, may find support and help from:

• Organisations such as Adoption UK, PATCH or the POTATO group, which advocate for adoptive families and campaign for improved post-adoption support.
• Legal advice from firms specialising in family and adoption law - such as JWP Solicitors.
• Mental-health and therapeutic support services experienced in childhood trauma, attachment, and adoption-related issues.

To learn more about the complexities surrounding adoption and adoption breakdown, more information can be found at JWPSolicitors.co.uk