It is estimated that there is as many as 5,000 children of all ages, ethnicities and abilities in the UK who are waiting to find an adoptive family.
The children are aged between birth and 16 years and some have waited a long time for a new family. The majority of children who are placed for adoption by Adoption Matters Northwest are between 2 and 10 years. Brothers and sisters are often placed together.
Some of the children are from black and minority ethnic groups, some have disabilities, some have medical problems, but they all have experienced disruptive and difficult early lives.
There are many reasons why children can no longer live with their birth families – amongst them are abuse, neglect and family breakdown. The upheaval they have experienced in their lives is likely to make an impact on their general development and may also have an influence on their behaviour.
Adoption Matters Northwest aims to find families to care for these children on a permanent basis so that they can develop, have secure and stable family lives, and reach their individual potential.
All children are different but they all need love and security. This is particularly important for a child who has not previously experienced this, coupled with their previously difficult early experiences. We are looking for fun-loving, energetic, flexible and positive parents who enjoy children and who will delight in their development and their achievements.
Nathan image depicted by a model
Nathan is a happy and affectionate boy. Nathan loves playing physical sports and activities such as swimming and is passionate about football. Nathan is boisterous when playing and can be challenging, and on occasions can get anxious yet with consistent management by his foster carers he is making real progress. A lack of stimulation and consistent care in his early years has left Nathan slightly delayed and his behaviour at times is more like that of a younger child. He is currently being assessed for an educational statement so that he can receive the extra help he needs to stay in mainstream school. Education and school will play a vital role in his continuing development.
Nathan eats and sleeps well. In many ways he is a normal, lively 8 year old, getting on well with both adults and children. He can occupy himself with games and likes to watch football on the television. He does not wet the bed but has on occasions soiled himself. This is improving with time.
Nathan needs someone who will see through his behaviour and help him, cuddle and reassure him. Nathan will blossom with a good family where he feels settled and loved.
Nathan needs a permanent placement in the Northwest. Nathan’s birth mother has been unable to care for him, but he likes to see her when he has contact with his grandparents. Contact will need to be maintained with his grandparents four times a year. Contact will be arranged through his social worker. This link is very positive for Nathan.
…a sibling group
Frequently, brother and sister groups are adopted together, but we also find families for a wide age range of children who need to be placed individually. We place twosomes, threesomes, foursomes, fivesomes…….
In general, children who are under the age of two are part of a sibling group or have particular medical, developmental or background issues.
…a child with a disability
There’s a particular need to find adoptive parents for children with disabilities.
Children with a disability are sometimes overlooked by prospective adopters, so Adoption Matters Northwest is seeking families who can rise to the challenge of caring for these children.
The range of ability within this group of children varies greatly; some may have been physically disabled from birth, some may have moderate to severe learning difficulties. They all share a real need for family life and the opportunity to fulfill their potential within a family. They bring their adopters an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and achievement.
The reward of watching children with disabilities develop and achieve their goals and individual milestones is very special.
Could you make that difference and enjoy those moments?
…a child from an ethnic minority
any of the children awaiting adoption have ethnic and cultural needs. We are continually looking for families from black and ethnic groups who can meet these needs.
For further information about the children placed for adoption contact us.
