Health and wellbeing

Health support after adoption

Once your child comes to live with you the child’s Social Worker will send letters to relevant health agencies to notify them of their move.

Information and services relating to health can be found here.

Your General Practitioner (GP) is a key part of your support network for both you and your child. They can advocate on your behalf and refer you to a range of health and wellbeing services as your child grows.

Registering your child with a GP

Once your child has moved in with you, it’s important to register them with your local GP as soon as possible.

Once registered, your child will be connected to essential services, including immunisations and health visitor support.

NHS number

Your child will retain their original NHS number until the Adoption Order is granted.
After the order is granted, a new NHS number is issued.
The child’s social worker will send the Adoption Order to NHS trusts to initiate this process.

Health Visitor

A Health Visitor is a trained professional who supports families with children under five. They can offer support and advice on a wide range of topics relating to the physical and emotional health of your child and yourself. To locate your Health Visitor, contact your GP practice.

Learn more about the role of Health Visitors on the Institute of Health Visiting website.

Dentist

It’s important to register your child with a dentist as soon as they move to live with you.

Information about finding a dentist can be found here.

Eye tests for children

Free NHS sight tests are available for children under 16 years and for young people under 19 years in full-time education.

Vision screening may be carried out in your child’s school at certain ages, but this does not happen in all areas.

Speak to your GP or go to an optician if you have any concerns about your child’s vision at any stage.

Hearing tests for children

If you have concerns about your child’s hearing a GP can refer your child to a hearing specialist. There are different types of hearing tests for children depending on their age and development.