The lives of South Eastern Trust parents Laura and Gareth changed forever when they adopted their “bubbly, intelligent and confident” daughter at four and a half years old. The couple describe her as the “perfect way for us to have built our family.”
Adoption Week is a time to celebrate the families who have been brought together through care, compassion and commitment.
Laura detailed how the adoption system, which was clear and well supported throughout by the Trust’s Adoption Team, took around two years from start to finish.
“There were multiple people involved to support us. When our daughter was placed with us, there were three different Social Workers working alongside us to make sure the placement was settling in well.”
For Gareth, adoption was something they had always considered. “When we moved from England to Northern Ireland, we thought, instead of having our own child, why don’t we adopt and give a child a better life than one they might have.”
Now aged eight, their daughter fills their home with colour, laughter and creativity. She loves painting, a talent she shares with her dad and like many Primary Five pupils, is a big fan of the viral K Pop Demon Hunters phenomenon!
Reflecting on their journey, Laura described how much their lives have changed since welcoming their daughter, “It is difficult to put into words what it means to have her in our lives. She was very much her own person coming into our family. Our house was filled with toys from the second she arrived. She has brought a real energy and joy to our home.”
The couple admit there was a lot of learning during that first year, but described the experience as “absolutely wonderful.”
“We are now four years on and I couldn’t imagine not having her in our family.” Laura added.
Laura and Gareth’s advice to anyone considering adoption is heartfelt and honest, “Definitely take it really seriously. You are starting a new family, or adding someone to your existing one. It is a big commitment, but we would not have built our family any other way. Adoption was the right path for us, it is a brilliant way to build a family.”
South Eastern Trust Social Worker Karen Leonard added, “Adoptive parents play a vital role in giving some of the youngest children in foster care the stability, love and security they need to thrive.
“Many of the children waiting the longest for adoption are part of a sibling group or have already begun their primary school journey. We are keen to hear from individuals and families who believe they have the time, energy, patience and resilience to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
“Together we can help every child find the safe and loving home they deserve.”
If you would like to hear more about adoption, please enquire via adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net or by calling the South Eastern Trust Adoption Team on 02891270672.