Adoption provides a unique and life-changing opportunity for children who, for various reasons, cannot live with their birth families. It gives them the stability, security and love they need to grow and thrive in a supportive environment.
Londoner Sue, 50, is Frankie’s adoptive parent. Mother and daughter have decided to share their story as part of National Adoption Week, which takes place this week, and is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of adoption.
Sue adopted Frankie with the help and support of Barnardos. The charity believes in the potential of all children and that they all deserve a loving family. Whether you’re single or married, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or looking to start or grow your family, Barnardo’s are looking for fantastic adopters from all walks of life, who have space in their homes and hearts to change a childhood and change a life.
Barnardo’s Southern Fostering & Adoption is also hosting an adoption information evening on 30 October 2024.
Sue said: “My advice is simple if you think about it, do it! My best memory was the first time I saw Frankie. I walked in the door and her foster family was there. She just looked up at me and said, ‘That is mother’.”
Her adopted daughter Frankie said: “I would say I would rather you adopt a child now rather than later because children need a suitable home and stable parents.”
And speaking about her mother, she said: “I’d say the best thing about her is that she’s funny without trying and always finds a way to make me giggle and smile.
“We’re pretty close because we do every single thing together. We’re the last people we see before we go to bed and the first people we see when we wake up.”
In the UK there are thousands of children waiting to be adopted, each with their own story. These children come from diverse backgrounds and often include older children, sibling groups and children with special needs or disabilities
Sue’s adoption journey
Sue, 50, has shared her story of how she came to adopt in the hope that others might consider adopting too. There is also an event next week organized by Barnardo’s Southern Fostering & Adoption where people can come along to hear about adoption.
Sue, a teacher of deaf children and young people, said: “I was born in Scotland and all my family except one brother still live there. I am a gay woman who came out when I was 19 and I have been fortunate to have had a positive experience growing up gay.
“When I first decided to adopt it was a combination of a couple of things. The main factor was my age as I was just turning 40 and I thought that in 10 years I wasn’t a mum I would regret it and the answer was yes
“Also, a work colleague had just adopted two siblings as a single parent, and I thought if she can do it, so can I. Everyone around me was supportive and made me feel like I could do it alone and offered their support.
“For those considering adoption I would say, do it!! There are so many worthy children out there. Don’t let what scares you put you off. Get all the information available to you and think about what kind of life adoption can bring. With Barnardo’s gives you full support both before and after. Do it!”
Organized by adoption agencies and charities across the UK, National Adoption Week aims to inspire families to consider adoption and provide support to those navigating the adoption process. It also serves as an opportunity to highlight the needs of children awaiting adoption and how a loving, stable family can change their lives.
Barnardo’s is here to help
It may never be the ‘perfect’ time to adopt, but with Barnardo’s we will be there to support you every step of the way.
Barnardo’s has been working to transform childhood and transform lives for more than 150 years. As the UK’s largest voluntary adoption agency, we use our expertise to provide tailored support that reflects your unique adoption journey.
A spokesperson said: “So whatever questions you have about adoption, we’ll be right by your side, ready to help you through. When life gets tough or it feels like there’s nowhere to turn, Barnardos is here.
“We are making children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful by running over 800 specialist services across the UK and campaigning to change the way the system works for the better.
“At Barnardo’s we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of the children and young people we support, as well as our adopters.
“We listen and respond to the needs of our adopters, which is why we offer a comprehensive adoption preparation, education and support program, including access to support groups, adopter forums and adoptive family social events.”
Barnardo’s has more than 100 years of expertise in successfully matching and providing homes for children with the right families, particularly identifying adoptive families for those children who are waiting the longest:
Barnardo’s is on hand to provide the support that adoptive parents need, its 24/7 helpline is staffed by qualified and experienced Barnardo’s Family Placement Social Workers.
In addition, our families are supported by Barnardo’s workers who are trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). DDP is a therapy, parenting method and model of practice that uses what we know about attachment and developmental trauma to help children and families with their relationships.
How to get in touch
To get tickets to the Adoption Information Session visit Becoming an Adoptive Parent – Information Session Tickets, Wed., Oct. 30, 2024, at 18:00 | Eventbrite
To find out more about Barnardo’s visit the website.
