Building on this strong foundation, 2021 saw the introduction of our Clinical Psychology Service, enhancing the specialist support available to families. In 2023, an Ofsted thematic inspection of Regional Adoption Agencies recognised and celebrated ACE’s DDP ethos and comprehensive adoption support offer. Most recently, in 2025, ACE was awarded the Early Permanence Quality Kitemark, introduced the AfDIT model, and received positive recognition from Ofsted inspections of Warwickshire and Solihull, acknowledging the quality of services provided by ACE.
Since 2018, ACE’s Adoption Panel has considered 642 adopter approvals and supported 739 matches between children and their prospective adopters.
On average each year since ACE was formed, it has supported 553 families through adoption support services. This includes submitting an extraordinary 3,647 applications to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, securing £10,204,751.83 to provide vital therapeutic interventions for adopted children and their families.
In addition, since 2020, ACE has supported an average of 142 birth records counselling applications each year and provided ongoing support to an average 335 birth families annually through our Family Connexions team. A total of 176 children have been placed under fostering for adoption arrangements, helping to minimise placement moves and reduce the losses and disruption experienced by children early in their lives.
Jemma Fordham, Head of Adoption Central England (ACE), explains
“Over the past eight years, it has been a real privilege for Adoption Central England to support so many individuals and families on their adoption journey. While we are proud of what has been achieved, there are still many children waiting for permanent, loving homes, and we need more people to come forward who can offer patience, empathy and playfulness alongside stability."
“Adoption is about providing love, security and a lifelong commitment to children of all ages who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to remain within their birth families. We welcome enquiries from people from all walks of life – whether single or married, in or out of work, and regardless of race, religion or sexuality what matters most is the ability to offer a child a safe, nurturing and supportive home.”
Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Coventry City Council, said:
“The decision to adopt a child and make that huge difference in playing a vital role in creating a loving and caring environment is one many families have taken over recent years. Adoption Central England has a long, successful record developing a collaborative approach to matching children with the child’s social worker who understand their individual needs and can therefore offer the necessary love, commitment and ongoing support.
“Whilst it's pleasing to see that so many people have chosen to adopt and make that huge difference, there remains a continued need for more adoptive parents to come forward. Many children are part of sibling groups, or are single children aged between birth and seven, some have additional needs. We would encourage families from right across our communities to get in touch for an informal conversation and find out how adopting through ACE can support you through the process.”
