
Just like all families, adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes and go through ups, downs and detours during their journey. No two adoption stories are the same – and what makes every adoption journey unique is the people who play a role along the way.
Many different people will be part of someone’s lifelong adoption journey – from people we know to those we meet along the way, including birth families, foster parents, social workers, friends old and new, and extended family members.
Parents themselves go on a journey when they adopt – often challenging their own preconceptions about adoption and learning more about themselves along the way.
Rachel and her husband decided to embark on their own adoption journey after learning how many children are in need of a forever home. They received an incredible amount of support throughout the journey, especially from Rachel’s Dad, Daniel, who has loved being Grandpa to his granddaughter Winnie.
Rachel, who features in the film alongside her two-year-old adopted daughter Winnie, father Daniel and social worker Becky, said: “You have an idea in your head of what family looks like, and for us it’s been different, but even more wonderful in different ways. For me, it’s really important that Winnie has a sense of herself and her identity – that she understands that not only do all families look different, but she has more than one family, and that’s OK.”
New data shows there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of children with a plan for adoption not yet matched with an adoptive family in England in 2023-4, compared to the previous year. This means children are waiting longer, and we really want to change that.
Adoption Matters adopters Rachael and Paul adopted their three children, in their video to support the campaign and Rachael comments:
“The most surprising thing for me on our adoption journey has been how little I’ve cared about a DNA connection. It was something that worried me so much, but within seconds of meeting our children, that all just melted away”.
Angela adopted her daughter Hazel at the age of four. “It’s just been the most incredible journey – a rollercoaster, but we’ve had a ball. As a single adopter, I wondered if I would be enough, but I just couldn’t ignore the pull to adopt, and after waiting three years to pick up the phone, I took that first step. If you’re thinking about it, just go for it. It doesn’t matter if you start the journey alone, you’ll meet your village along the way. I am so proud of who Hazel has become, and I have loved being her mum and seeing her thrive”.
Andrew and his wife Alex adopted Carla when she was 6 years old. Ever since the moment when Carla led him to the local park hand-in-hand on the day they met, Andrew has been besotted with her. Andrew comments:
“Adopting an older child is brilliant because she could communicate with us in those early years about what she did and didn’t like, which made our adventures together all the more fun.”
Carla spent two supportive years living with her foster parent before she was adopted. Andrew and his wife recognised the importance of supporting Carla to continue the positive relationship she had built up with her foster parent, even after her adoption.
Chat with members of our experienced team and find out more about our 'Outstanding' adoption service.
Our online adoption information events are a convenient way to find out more about adoption, our Ofsted outstanding rated agency and the support that we offer to our children and families. All that you need to attend is internet access and ideally a device with a camera.
The events are hosted by experienced members of our enquiry and social work teams. During the event, we will share a presentation with you, chat through the adoption process and the ongoing support that we offer. We will also give you a chance to ask any questions that you might have.
Our events last around one and a half hours, depending on how many questions are asked. Joining instructions will be sent to you around 2 days before the event. Register your place for this event here
We're here for you to support your past, your present, and your future. Our Centre for Fostering and Adoption Support offers our families and adopted adults a wide range of services to support them.
Adoption Matters offer ongoing support to their families and adopted adults. Our Centre for Fostering and Adoption Support offers a unique support and therapy service supporting adoption and permanency and also offer freely available video resources so that knowledge from their skilled and experienced team can be passed on to families and professionals working with children and young people.