Adoptionplus is a therapeutic adoption agency based in Buckinghamshire that supports families caring for children with a history of maltreatment and relationship disruption. 
We employ a multi-disciplinary team who undertake a range of assessments and therapeutic interventions informed by an understanding of the impact of maltreatment on neurodevelopment, psychological well-being and attachment. A core intervention is the provision of DDP for parenting and therapy. Clinical psychologists and social workers are trained in DDP with a number either DDP certified or on the Practicum including the Consultant Practicum. Adoptionplus are committed to the development and provision of effective therapeutic services for adoptive families and others caring for children with a history of maltreatment and attachment disruption. As part of this we believe that it is essential that we better understand what interventions work and why they work. We are keen to do what we can to contribute to an improved evidence based in the UK for adoption so that we can ensure limited public resources are spent on interventions that are genuinely helpful.
Research has been carried out to show that DDP is effective. This includes a qualitative study of the therapy within which parents reported that the therapy had made a difference to their child and for them as a family. 
Studies of parenting programmes based on the DDP principles have shown that parents feel more effective, have better understanding and feel more competent parenting their children once they have participated in the programme. Research has also been carried out in schools to show that the children benefit when their teachers and support workers use the DDP principles. You can find out more about this research on the DDP website alongside lots of other information about DDP (ddpnetwork.org). The next step in helping us to know how effective DDP is requires a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) of the therapy. This will involve families who are experiencing DDP to report on their progress through interviews and questionnaires. 
This will be compared with similar families undergoing different interventions. The analysis of this data will help us to better know what works for children who have experienced developmental trauma and will help families to find the best intervention for their child.'
Adoptionplus staff involved in the research
Dr Ben Gurney Smith, Adoptionplus Clinical Lead
Joanne Alper, Adoptionplus Director
Jessica Christopher, Therapist
Rebecca Atkins, Therapist
Jesse Carlebach, Therapist
Dr Kim Golding DDP consultant, supporting staff through DDP Certification
Adoptionplus, Moulsoe Business Centre, Cranfield Road, Moulsoe, Newport Pagnell, MK16 0FJ
Tel: 01908 218251