Most children who come to PAC have become part of their family through adoption. Some joined their families through fostering or special guardianship. All children who come to PAC have been separated from their birth parents and from other important people in their lives.
Most children have some memories, as well as worries and other feelings about what has happened to them in the past. It’s usually quite hard to talk about these memories and feelings. This can lead to sad, angry and scared feelings staying bottled up inside.
At PAC we help children to make sense of what they have been through, and to talk about some of their difficult experiences.
We also help children deal with their thoughts and feelings about being adopted (or permanently placed).
When children have problems at home and/or at school, we try to find out why, and what could be done to make things less difficult.
We help parents (or carers) too. We help them to deal with their children’s difficulties in the best possible way.
In the end we hope the whole family gets on better, and has more fun together!
When you and your family come to see us, we’ll play and maybe draw and talk about things that you need help with.
After that, we’ll discuss with you who from your family will come to see us again, how many times and on which day.
If you come to see us again, you’ll always come with your parent/s (or carer/s). We’ll then continue to play, paint, write and talk about things you need help with.
And we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.
We help all children. Some children are white, some are black, some are Asian, and some are mixed race. Some children have disabilities. Some were born in England, and some were born in other countries.
Children who come to PAC are in families with two parents, or one parent. Sometimes children have two mums or two dads.
Some children live with grandparents, other relatives or with friends of their parents.
All families are welcome at PAC.
PAC counsellors know about adoption. They also know about fostering and special guardianship.
Families who come to PAC work with one or two counsellors. The counsellors could be black or white, women or men.
We believe things can get better for you and your family.
At the end of your time with us we’ll ask you to fill in a form to let us know what you think about coming to PAC.
You can also write, phone or e-mail us. Ask your parent or another adult for help if you need to.
Your thoughts are important to us.
Tell your parent or carer what you are unhappy about.
You can also tell the counsellors who are working with you, or another adult at PAC.
If you are very upset and unhappy about something at PAC you can make a formal complaint.
Children’s Legal Centre
38 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QY
Tel: 0845 120 3747 or 0207 5801664
E-mail: clclondon@essex.ac.uk
Website: www.childrenslegalcentre.com
The Children’s Right’s Director Roger Morgan
Ofsted, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway London
WC2B 6SE
Tel: Freephone 0800 528 0731
Website: www.rights4me.org.uk
These websites also have information on other places where your voice can get heard.
Click here to download the PAC General Leaflet
