News Alerts
06/12/2011
The People’s Republic of China: Special needs adoption programme
Intercountry Adoption Centre (IAC) is delighted to announce its intention to seek accreditation from the China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA). This accreditation will facilitate the adoption of children with special needs from China by prospective adoptive parents in England. IAC’s application for accreditation will be supported by the Department for Education, the UK lead Central Authority.
As there has been no CCCWA-accredited agency in the UK to undertake the work involved, UK prospective intercountry adopters to date have not been eligible to apply to adopt special needs children from China, although they are eligible to make an application for children who are not part of the special needs programme.
IAC has reached the decision to apply for accreditation having undertaken considerable research into how the special needs programme is operating in other receiving States and the potential interest in the programme amongst UK prospective intercountry adopters. It seems likely that the programme will be of interest to a small but committed number of prospective adoptive families, some of whom already have links to China through adoption or heritage.
We are grateful to the many supporters who have donated and pledged to the Stepping Stones appeal since it was launched in November 2010, and whose support will continue to be needed in order to ensure the success of this programme, were IAC’s accreditation by CCCWA to be achieved.
Whilst the launch of the China Special Needs Programme is clearly still dependent on external factors, IAC is aiming for a launch date of early Spring 2012. Initially the service would be open to prospective adoptive parents living within England.
As a first step IAC will be inviting interested prospective adopters to a general information meeting in the New Year to be held at IAC offices in Barnet.
For further information, or to reserve a place at the information meeting, please contact Jan Way on Jan.Way@icacentre.org.uk.
23/11/2011
Proposed changes to the Schools Admission Code
IAC and Adoption UK join in lobbying Minister. See attached letter.
IAC is grateful to all the intercountry adopters who emailed with details of the challenges they have faced or are facing in obtaining a place for their child at a school that best meets their needs. These narratives were included in the letter to Minister and were invaluable in bringing alive the equivalent needs of intercountry adopted children as compared to children who are looked after in England
01/11/2011
Recruitment of Assessment Team Manager
We are seeking to appoint an Assessment Team Manager (Part time) to oversee our assessment service working with prospective and established adopters, professionals, government departments and other agencies. Further information is available here.
10/08/2011
Advice Line
We are currently unable to respond routinely to email enquires on the advice line, however, you are welcome to call the line and leave a brief message for an advisor who will call you back as soon as possible during opening hours.
12/05/11
Just Text Giving
Did you know that you can now donate to Intercountry Adoption Centre by text message?
Just Giving has launched a new service, JustTextGiving, which allows donations of up to £10 to be made directly to charities from your mobile phone. It couldn’t be simpler.
To donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to ICA Centre all you need to do is text the code ICAC01 along with the amount you wish to donate to the number 70070.
e.g. ICAC01 £10
You can also donate by text message to the Stepping Stones to China Special Needs Adoption Appeal. Just simply text the code CSNA11 along with the amount you wish to donate to 70070.
No donation is too small and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Stepping Stones to China Special Needs Adoption
Almost £15,000 raised to date…
IAC has launched a fundraising appeal to support the introduction of a pilot programme to place with families in England, children from China who have special needs.
Although the appeal was only launched in December 2010 we have already raised almost £15,000 toward our £50,000 target. Our target may seem a long way off, but the enthusiastic response the appeal has received is encouraging.
With your generous support we are optimistic that we will be able to introduce this important new service. If you would like to donate or pledge monies, please visit the Stepping Stones page to find out more and how you can give.
The Happy Chopsticks
Just published! All proceeds go to IAC’s Stepping Stones Appeal, so please give generously.
A delightful book full of wonderful recipes and illustrations, including recipes perfect for Chinese New Year.
One book will be dispatched to you in return for a minimum £3 donation.
Please visit the Stepping Stones page to find out how to get your copy.