Supporting adopters every step of the way

There are children of all ages and backgrounds who are waiting to be adopted and to start their new life with a new family. New adopters are always needed who can open up their homes and hearts to give these children the love and support they need to grow and thrive.

One couple who have been through the adoption process gave an insight into their experience. Emma and her husband Graham adopted their son over 9 years ago when he was 18 months old.

Emma explained how the adoption process worked, she said: “I made a phone call to the Bucks Adoption Team to express our interest, and the process moved forward naturally from there. As we worked our way through the stages, things fell into place, and everything felt right.”

The couple particularly value the relationship they developed with their social worker throughout the process. Emma said: “As our social worker knew us so well, she was able to match us to a little boy who is so perfect. Your social worker needs to know the 'true you' so that you can be matched to a suitable child. Adoption is not about being heroic. Matches must be as suitable as possible to prevent a placement from breaking down as a break down would be an emotional turmoil for adopters and adopted children alike.”

Due to some of their son’s complex needs, the couple have needed extra support over the years and appreciate that help is just a call away whenever needed. Emma explains: “We have not so good days which can be very challenging and we have to stay strong as a couple or ask for help when necessary.” Over the years the family has received a range of ongoing assistance which is invaluable in helping them to support their son in how to manage his feelings and emotions.

Reflecting on their adoption experience Emma said: “Adoption has been one of the most rewarding things we have 'done' as a couple. Our lives have changed in the same way they would have done had we have added to our family naturally. Our son has complex additional needs and attachment difficulties but we navigate our way through everything in the same way any other family would. I have a birth daughter and we love both of our children equally. We have to parent them slightly differently due to their different backgrounds and needs, but that just keeps us 'on our toes' and continually learning.”

Emma added: “We love our little life and would not change it for the world. Everything we have been through has been absolutely worthwhile and we would thoroughly recommend adoption to anyone who might be considering it.”

Buckinghamshire Council has a range of support for those thinking about adoption and continues to support adopters and families afterwards. Those at the start of their journey can attend one of the information events or complete the online readiness checker to find out what they need to do to adopt. Regular social events are held, training provided and opportunities to meet with others who have been through the process or are going through it.

Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “We have a whole range of support available before, during and after you adopt. It doesn’t just end once the process finishes, once you are involved with our adoption team we will continue to support you in whatever way is needed.”

Adopters are needed for children of all ages and backgrounds including siblings, children from black, Asian and other ethnic groups, children over five and children with additional needs.

For more information on adopting in Buckinghamshire visit the adoption website.