We call on the UK Government to introduce “Preston’s Law”, requiring mandatory, structured safeguarding follow-ups for all adopted children.

Children who are adopted often come from backgrounds of trauma, neglect, or abuse, and may require ongoing safeguarding beyond initial placement.

However, evidence from multiple child safeguarding practice reviews across the UK has repeatedly identified systemic failings, including:

• Inconsistent or insufficient follow-up after placement
• Poor communication between agencies
• Failure to escalate concerns
• Lack of ongoing risk reassessment
• These gaps can result in vulnerable children not being adequately monitored or protected.

We believe the Government should introduce “Preston’s Law” to ensure:

• Mandatory post-adoption welfare visits at defined intervals (e.g. monthly for the first 6 months, then regularly for a minimum of 2 years)
• A named, accountable social worker responsible for ongoing safeguarding oversight. No appointments missed. 
• A requirement for multi-agency information sharing where concerns are raised
• Clear and enforceable escalation procedures when safeguarding concerns are identified
• Regular reassessment of the child’s wellbeing and safety, not just initial placement checks
• Immediate family members given the right to care of the child before they are considered for adoption.
• a strict assessment routine in place to detect abuse in children. 
  
  

“Preston’s Law” would strengthen existing child protection systems and help ensure that no child is left without oversight during the most critical periods after adoption.

As well as this, the ongoing pressures on social work, childcare, and safeguarding services have also raised concerns about whether professionals have the time, staffing levels, and resources needed to carry out effective long-term monitoring of vulnerable children.

Years of increasing demand and limited funding have contributed to high caseloads, staff burnout, and reduced capacity across children’s services. While many social workers and safeguarding professionals work tirelessly to protect children, systems cannot function effectively without adequate government investment and support.

“Preston’s Law” should therefore also include a review of post-adoption safeguarding resources, staffing levels, and funding to ensure that child protection services are properly equipped to identify and respond to concerns before harm occurs.

Children do not stop needing protection once they are adopted. Safeguarding must be continuous, structured, and accountable.