Counselling, Advice and Information Service for Birth and Special Guardianship Orders Families

Essex, Suffolk and Thurrock Councils (ECC, SCC and TC) aim to improve the stability and resilience of birth families affected by adoption and Special Guardianship Order (SGO) by jointly commissioning high quality, independent counselling, advice and information services that meet our families' diverse needs.

Councils have a statutory duty to provide independent counselling, advice and information to birth parents and those affected by adoption and Special Guardianship Orders. The statutory guidance states that birth families must have access to information about the implications of adoption and that those affected by adoption should have access to information, advice and support.

ECC, SCC and TC wish to commission a single provider for service delivery across the three authorities.

Additional information: This procurement follows the open procedure method, governed by ECC's medium risk process.