Supporting people thinking about adoption
Adoption Central England (ACE), the regional adoption agency for Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Solihull, is once again celebrating National Adoption Week -18 to 24 October.
This year the focus is on sharing the voices of those whose lives have been changed by adoption and all its rewarding and challenging experiences. ACE is doing this by sharing adopter stories throughout the week on the Facebook page @aceadoption. The case studies will not only provide information about the adoption process, but also include stories from adoptive families – giving a true insight into adoption.
One adoptive parent speaks openly about the highs and lows of adoption said:
“Our adoption journey has been emotional yet exciting, frustrating yet fulfilling and terrifying yet totally worth it. It has definitely not been an easy option, but it is the most rewarding thing we have ever done. We have learned lots about ourselves, our capabilities and limits.
“We’ve been amazed by the level of support from the unlikeliest of places. The social workers from ACE have been there for us every step of the journey and have shared in the highs and lows of it all. Our family may not be typical or traditional, but we feel an incredible loving bond with our son. We are proud parents and proud to be adopters.”
Councillor Diana Toynbee, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s and Family Services, and Young People’s Attainment, added:
“Herefordshire Council is proud to be part of National Adoption Week. It’s a great opportunity for us to have a realistic picture of what adoption is all about, and the stories families are sharing on ACE’s @aceadoption Facebook page are really helping people who are considering adoption to understand what to expect.
“Children need stable and loving adoptive parents, and we support ACE’s work, which has found homes for more than 350 children since they first formed back in 2018.
“Supporting families is crucial, from ongoing training and get-togethers with other families, to the more specialist therapeutic help that some families may need as their children develop. Adoption is all about love, something that in Herefordshire Council we never lose sight of.”
As a well-established adoption service ACE has many services in place to support people on their adoption journey, including the recently introduced Buddy Scheme. The scheme pairs up new adopters with experienced adoptive parents who offer additional advice and support to people during those early stages.The ACE website is also currently undergoing a refresh and will include new case studies and information for anyone involved in the adoption process. More information will be shared shortly.
ACE welcomes interest in adoption from people from all sections of the community whether they are unable to have children of their own, or where they want to extend their home to those children waiting for a family. Interest is welcomed from single people, those in same sex relationships and from the Black, African Caribbean and other minority ethnic communities.
People do have to be over 21 years to apply for adoption and able to provide a stable and secure home for a child who needs to be adopted.
ACE is waiting to receive your call. Contact ACE on 0300 369 0556 or complete the enquiry form on the ACE website www.aceadoption.com. You can also make an enquiry by email on enquiries@aceadoption.com that will be followed up by one of our friendly adoption workers. Also connect with the adoption community through the ACE Facebook page @aceadoption and read about real adoption experiences.