Find out about changes to our services and Christmas opening times on our Festive information page. To find out when your bin will be collected over the festive period, visit Changes to County Durham bin collections at Christmas.

Due to maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 11.45am on Tuesday 24 December until 8.00am on Thursday 2 January: our online Council Tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Adoption Support Passport (ASP)

This page tells you about the Adoption Support Passport (ASP) which can help adoptive families with education, pay and leave, housing and access to the Adoption Support Fund.

Got a question about adoption support? Contact Adoption for advice on where to get help.

What's available through the ASF

Education

The following may be available to help your child with their education:

Free early years education places for two year olds. Find out more about help with childcare costs.
Priority access to a school which is suitable for them. Find out more about school admission for adopted children.
The Pupil Premium allows schools to access additional funding to help them support adopted children.

Adoption pay and leave

Adoption pay and leave is available when your child first comes to live with you. Check with your employer for their individual policy.

Housing

If you live in social housing and claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you may be entitled to priority housing. Contact your local housing service for advice and information.

Contact Adoption

Email adoption@durham.gov.uk
Telephone 03000 269 291

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