The Birth Parent Counselling Service is provided by Caritas Diocese of Salford on behalf of a number of Local Authorities: Stockport MBC, Rochdale MBC, Salford City Council, Oldham MBC, Bolton MBC and Bury MBC.

Who is it for?

Its aim is to help parents whose children no longer live with them and for whom adoption has been planned. Caritas offers an independent service to those parents and families who have lost their children to care systems provided by Local Authorities. Parents can make contact at any time up to two years after the decision has been made – whether or not the Adoption Order has been granted in that time. 

The purpose of the counselling is to give parents an opportunity to explore their feelings in a confidential setting and with staff who will not judge them. We know that people feel angry and in despair when such final decisions are made and that an objective listening ear can be helpful.

There are things we cannot do – change the Local Authority’s plan for the child, prevent the Adoption Order being granted or change any Court decisions in relation to contact.
There are, however, specific ways in which birth parents can still contribute to their children’s future well-being and our Social Workers will help parents to understand and make use of these.