Kristina and David both had a ‘heart for adoption’ and hoped to adopt a sibling group of two, under three years old. When a potential match came up to adopt through early permanence (EP) their faith helped guide them to make a life-changing decision. Kristina shares their story.

Adoption can be an inclusive and rewarding experience for all the family. Carol and her husband Tony have been married for 53 years and are grandparents to eight children: four of whom are adopted by their daughter, Claire. Carol shares her adoption story from a grandparent's point of view

Samantha is passionate about adoption, having been adopted herself. Aged 41 and single, living with her mum and dad, she adopted a baby through Early Permanence Placement.

Louise and David had tried for a family for seven years before deciding on EPP as the way ahead

‘We had tried for a family for seven years,’ says Louise. ‘Over those years we looked at all our options, we even considered surrogacy. I had multiple miscarriages during that time, so it was a bit of a roller coaster emotionally.’

Matt and James wanted to adopt a very young child so Early Permanence Placement (EPP) seemed like the natural choice.

‘We started talking about adoption with friends, family and work colleagues, and it became clear that many people had some knowledge of, or had their lives touched by adoption,’ says James. ‘So, armed with encouragement and reassurance, we began researching online to learn more about opportunities for adoption and the processes involved.’

‘You learn a lot when you adopt. Nicola learned that two can be family’
Nicola had always wanted a family, but hadn’t found the right partner to make the commitment to parenthood. She had considered adoption as a possibility, and read and researched the routes available, before taking the next step and going to an information event.