National Adoption Week 2022

It’s National Adoption Week between 17-23 October this year, and this year the campaign focuses on celebrating adoption by recognising and focusing on the significance of identity.

As part of the campaign, ‘You Can Adopt’, in partnership with Coram Adoption and other agencies, will explore adopted people’s reflections on their relationships from before, during, and after the adoption process and how they were able to connect them to their heritage and develop a sense of belonging/identity growing up.

There is no set time for the amount of time it can take to find or accept our identity. There also isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to factors that may have had an influence on our identity too, especially for adoptive parents and children.

Slough Children First (SCF) are proud to be part of a regional adoption agency called Coram Ambitious for Adoption. We aim to make the process of being approved as an adoptive parent as smooth as possible.

“Slough children first have been amazing throughout my adoption journey.  They are extremely helpful and have given me lots of support! I can’t thank them enough for helping me build a stable and loving environment for my little one to grow and develop. The adoption process can be daunting and overwhelming at times but SCF have held my hand and guided me every step of the way. Even now after everything is in place, I know I can contact them if I need anything.” (One of our families said).

“Our adoption journey began when we attended an information evening at Slough SCF” said another.

“What followed was an in-depth assessment process where we reflected on our own childhood and life experiences. This along with us gaining childcare experience helped prepare us to become prospective adopters… The match was approved and introductions began. We began the process of getting to know each other and the bond and attachment with our children began.

When the children moved in with us, we were delighted and life for us all changed. Our world has never been the same again and nor would we want it be. The children had to learn to trust us and we quickly established routines which helped them to feel safe and secure with us.  There have been lots of tears and tantrums, and not just from the children.  We have learnt so much about ourselves and our children. 4 years on and we have never regretted our decision to adopt; we have two amazing children and we are a family.  Life with our children is crazy but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

To find out more about perceptions of adoption, as well as read about recent stats, other adoption stories and ways support available, please visit coramadoption.org.uk.