Adoption and Kinship Support Services Framework

Essex County Council and Suffolk County Council are seeking suppliers for a new framework to deliver Adoption and Kinship Specialist Support Services across both counties. This procurement addresses statutory duties outlined in the Children and Families Act 2014 and Kinship Care Statutory Guidance (October 2024). The framework will provide therapeutic services, specialist assessments, and training programs to help adoptive and kinship families manage the long-term effects of trauma and abuse. The contract is structured in three lots: Lot 1 (Training) to build parent/carer skills; Lot 2 (Therapeutic Intervention) to address emotional and behavioural challenges; and Lot 3 (Specialist Assessments) to identify and plan for children's support needs. The initial contract period is three years with an option to extend for up to one additional year. Essex County Council is the lead contracting authority, with provisions for successor bodies under Local Government Reform.