This article looks at the support adoptive families need in the crucial first stages of placement and the health visitor's role in the process. As an adopter, I share my experiences, including suffering with post-adoption depression syndrome, and the challenges faced by families who have adopted a child. The article concludes with a discussion of attachment and therapeutic parenting styles and recommendations as to how the health visitor can offer early intervention and help to adoptive families.

Sabrina Purse - Community Nursery Nurse, Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust