A couple from the Western Trust area have described the “incredibly rewarding” experience of adoption.
They have been speaking as part of Adoption Week 2020.
The Trust says there is an urgent need to for people to help adopt.
The service was badly hit as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Karyn and Brian always wanted to extend their family, as did their son who longed for a brother or sister.
Kayrn explained: “Throughout the years we discussed the option of adoption, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that we decided to take the first step and make the initial contact with the Western Trust to find out more about adoption and it was really our son who gave us the encouragement to do this.
“The adoption team sent us out information to look through and as we waiting on our three-day training event, we used that time to really educate ourselves on adoption, with our son being at the forefront of all our decisions.
“Following training, our assessment began. The assessment, although long and hard, it was like a therapy for us and made us reflect back over our years together.”
Brian added: “Ultimately it really cemented home that we were making the right choice and gave us strength to provide a loving home for a child.
“Our social worker Claire was fantastic and we developed a very open and honest relationship with her. She kept us in the loop about expectations and potential problems that could arise along the way.
“She also ensured that our son was included in the process, and that he fully understood the journey ahead and was supported in that journey.”
Karyn added: “Following the intensive assessment progress, we were armed with all the information and support we needed and were put forward to the Panel of people who interviewed and passed us as adoptive parents.”
“It was a Wednesday morning when we got a call to say we were a potential match with a baby. Our social worker Claire came out to see us to tell us more.
“There was a lot of information to process but the match felt right from the very start.
“We got to take him home when he was only six days old.”
Brian explains: “This was a hugely emotional day. I loved him from the first moment I held him.
“Sometimes you wondered if it would feel different from holding your birth child, but it was no different.
“The same bonds and the same emotions are there.
“We would encourage everyone thinking of adopting to be brave and make the leap.
“There are so many children out there deserving of a good home – more people need to come forward and find out more about adoption – make that first phone call.
“The whole process has changed our lives for the better. We are so blessed and lucky to have the family we have today.”
The Trust says it welcomes applicants from all social, economic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
Applicants must be over 21, they can be married or a single.
They must be committed to providing a child with a secure, stable and loving family.
Adoption is a service for children first and foremost and the Western Trust says it is committed to finding loving and secure families for life for children who are unable to remain with their own family.
Start your Adoption Journey today by calling 0800 0720 137 and ask for an information pack.
Or visit www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net for more information.
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