The Matching Process

In this final special episode, we hear from adopted young people themselves. It's a Takeover! Mimi, Keira May, Ellie-Rose, Charlotte, Callum, Sarah, and Becca are all members of the Connected groups run by Adoption UK on behalf of the National Adoption Service for Wales. They share their experiences as adopted young people, and their role in changing perceptions and policy.

How easy is it to adopt in a same-sex couple? Or if you’re single? Or from a minority ethnic group?In this episode, we discover how adoption is an option for everyone, and how you can help your child find their identity. Mo tells us how the Asian community still struggles with adoption and Abbey describes the support network around her as a single parent.

What makes a good school for an adopted child? And how do you ask for the educational support your child is entitled to? In this episode we talk about the additional learning needs of many adopted children, and what support is available to help. We hear how Clare and Gareth have worked with the school to help their daughter through difficult issues and Rob explains how, as a dad and teacher, he benefits from the new Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales.

Can love conquer trauma? What exactly does trauma look like in an adopted child? And what help is out there? In this episode, we hear our adoptive parents’ day to day experiences of managing their children's trauma. And we find out how adoption agencies prepare parents for what they may encounter. Mo describes how he helped his daughter feel settled at home and Abbey talks about the discomfort she feels when people ask her why her son was adopted.

How do you manage contact with an adopted child’s birth family? And how do you create new sibling relationships within families? In this episode, our adoptive parents tell us their stories about the sometimes daunting process of communicating with birth families and managing children's expectations.We hear how Gareth overcame his anger at the birth parents for his children’s benefit. And Rob describes the moment he and his husband brought two non-blood siblings into their family.

How do you choose a child? Their age? Their ethnicity? Their story? With many children waiting, how do social workers ensure the right match is made? In this first of a new series, five parents from across Wales share stories about adopting children and introducing them to their forever home. In this episode, dad of two Rob explains how he felt guilty about wanting a young child and Clare and Gareth describe the joy and challenges of raising three blood siblings.

In the final episode of our first podcast series, we’re looking at the ongoing support available for adoptive parents. What is the experience of our adopters in asking for and receiving help?

We’re talking about bonding in this episode - or attachment as it's really called. How do you ensure your adopted child feels safe, feels loved - and how long is it before you know what you’re doing is making a difference?

4. Our seven adopters talk about those crucial first few hours, days and weeks with their children.

3. This episode is all about one of the most emotionally intense parts of the journey: matching children with their new families. Is there such a thing as the perfect fit?