Q&A with an Adopter

What has been the best thing about adopting?

Achieving something that I never dreamed was possible. Adoption for same sex couples didn’t become legal until 2009, so becoming a parent wasn’t something that I believed would be possible and at times I still can’t believe I’ve achieved it. I love being a parent and being able to pour all the love that I have in to my son to ensure that he has love, stability and security is my key priority, he is everything to me. Watching him grow and develop in to a confident, funny loving little boy is the best part of it.

Have you felt supported along your adoption journey?

Absolutely! Whilst the adoption process can be complex, and at times tricky, I’ve always felt supported throughout. Everyone (friends, family and colleagues) are there to offer and provide support all the time and everyone continues to ask questions in order for them to understand. You also have the opportunity to build strong relationships with other adopters and those relationships are extremely important. I’ve always felt supported by my social worker and solicitor too. Choosing a solicitor who specialises in adoption is vital as they can help you navigate the legal aspects of the process.

What kind of support is there for adopters?

There is so much support available throughout the entire process, so there is no shortage of support. Your adoption agency provides excellent up-skilling during your preparation groups to ensure you understand the process and understand the background that your child is likely to have experienced. The relationships you form in these groups are important as we have become lifelong friends with the other adopters that we attended these groups with. You then have an allocated social worker who meets with you regularly and prepares you for the adoption panel. They then support you through the family finding stage and ensure that you are fully supported when your child or children move in. Your child or children will also have their own social worker, so they are always available for help and support. Then you have your solicitor and when your child or children have moved in and you are entering the legal aspects of the process, your solicitor is essential in providing that guidance throughout. In additional to the formal roles available, there’s also facebook groups and other online platforms that help you connect with other adopters.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering adoption?

Keep your eyes on the prize. If your motivation is about being a parent, then adoption could be the route for you. It’s not straightforward for some people, but there’s plenty support available to ensure you are guided through each step. Unfortunately some children are out there and they are looking for their forever families. They could be looking for you ....

To find out more about Adoption during Adoption Week Scotland 2020, take a look at the events which are on this week in this link - https://www.adoption.scot/adoption-week

For any questions about the legal process for Adoption, please contact one of our solicitors who have expertise in dealing with adoption matters – Roger Mackenzie at rlm@wjm.co.uk or Emma Letham at ell@wjm.co.uk