Anna and Michael share their experience of becoming a family, through adoption.
Anna and Michael are a married couple who adopted a baby through early permanence. Michael has a physical disability and is a full-time wheelchair user.
“Our adoption journey took around a year and a half, from the initial introduction session, through to a little one arriving with us. Throughout the process, Adopt North East were able to provide us with support and information to help us navigate not only the adoption journey but also our specific circumstances.
As a couple, we knew early on we wanted to adopt a young child, a baby really, and so decided that early permanence was the route for us.
During the assessment process, the social worker completing our assessment worked with us to consider what, if any impact, one of us having a physical disability would have on us. We were given time to talk about it as a couple and reflect on any extra support we might need, or how we might balance the need for looking after a little one with any care needs. It was good to consider the practicalities of how we would navigate situations like getting in and out of the car, feeding and changing the little one, as well as playing as a family.
Considering how we would balance our own care needs and those of our new child was a really valuable experience and it meant when the little one arrived, we already had a plan in place. It hasn’t always been easy but because we had those conversations early with the support of Adopt North East, we have been able to navigate the tricky times and become a really strong and stable family for our little one.
Throughout the process, we never felt that having a disability would be a barrier and it was always considered from the perspective of how we could be supported. As disability is a large part of our lives, it felt natural for it to be part of the assessment.
My advice to disabled people looking to adopt is to be honest about the help and support you will need, as once that is in place, there is nothing to stop you being an amazing adopter and parent.”
Adoption is life-changing
If you’re considering adoption, we’ll support you throughout your adoption journey.
Tel: 0191 643 5000
Visit: www.adoptnortheast.org.uk
