ADOPTION & FOSTERING
In September 2025, 9 out of 10 adopted Teens & Young Adults sought out help with their Mental Health
*BSAW (The Professional association for Social Work & Social Workers*
We are delighted to be providing this much needed service for our young people and families supporting them. Whether the young person is adopted or fostered, invariably their mental health is fragile and can present as chronic anxiety, low mood, challenging behaviour, even self-harming and suicidal behaviour that requires specialist input from qualified mental health nurses. Many have experienced significant trauma, and have difficulty settling in to their new home environments.
The M Word cic is keen to support young people and their families as well as the professionals who provide their specialist support through social work and education. We are currently on the preferred providers list for the South East covering Brighton & Hove, Surrey, East and West Sussex where support can be funded to families in these counties.
Who we are
The M Word (Emotional Problem Solving) CIC is an Adoption Support Fund–approved provider delivering trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic support to adopted children and their families. Founded in 2019,
We support around 150 children and young people each year through psychotherapy and family-focused interventions.
Who we support
We work with adopted children, young people, and their family’s experiencing trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, ADHD, Autism, and behavioural distress.
Our services are inclusive of all family structures, including LGBTQ+ families, marginalised groups, and
disabled children.
When to refer
Referrals are particularly appropriate where:
- A child is resistant to traditional talk-based therapy
- Trauma or attachment needs are complex
- Neurodiversity is a significant factor
- Families require combined child therapy and therapeutic parenting support
- Emotional regulation or behaviour is impacting home or school life
What we offer
- Psychotherapy (Category 6)
- Attachment-focused and trauma-informed interventions
- Therapeutic parenting guidance and family work
- Therapeutic assessments and recovery planning
- Innovative gaming-based therapy to support engagement and emotional regulation
- Flexible delivery: face-to-face or secure virtual sessions, including evenings
Therapeutic approaches
Our work draws from DDP, CBT, EMDR, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Typical Outcomes
Families commonly experience improved emotional regulation, strengthened attachment and relationships, increased parental confidence, reduced stress, improved engagement with learning, and sustainable progress beyond therapy with clear endings.
Quality & governance
All therapists are appropriately qualified and registered, with mandatory clinical supervision and CPD.
Caseloads are actively monitored to ensure safe, high-quality practice. Outcomes are reviewed against ASF priorities and all data is managed securely in line with GDPR and safeguarding requirements.