National membership organisation and support charity, Adoption UK, has been awarded the contract for the National Gateway for Adoption, in partnership with Coram and Coram Children’s Legal Centre.

The aim of the Gateway is to provide a transparent and informative first point of contact for anyone interested in adoption.

Called First4Adoption, it will provide a helpline and website to give prospective adopters expert, clear and objective information about what’s involved, what to expect and how to start the adoption process.

First4Adoption is now being developed and will be launched in spring 2013.

The service has been launched as part of the Department of Education’s Action Plan for Adoption, which outlines a series of proposals designed to improve the adoption system in England.