The joys and pitfalls of adopting from a UK couple who happen to be gay
We've diarised our entire journey to become adopters and we'll be publishing it frequently here. Some details will be changed but the spirit will still be there! You'll find our accounts labelled under "Our Journey". Our accounts after placement are listed under "Dear Diary".
Other categories are available if you are interested in specific areas, feel free to browse those and we hope you find them useful.
At the time of writing this blog I am absolutely incensed by elements within the Conservative Party. Almost equally I’m incensed with shoddy reporting performed by many media outlets.
Gay people, and I use that term acknowledging the many umbrella terms available, have been able to adopt as a couple since 2005. Prior to 2005, gay couples could adopt children if one partner became the approved adopter and the other was CRB checked. Not many know that but it’s a fact and it’s been happening. Read more of this article... about Misinformation on gay adoption
The kids had a great weekend when I took them visiting my parents by the seaside. This is now just the second time they've seen the sea in real life and my heart aches every time I think of the opportunities they missed until they were taken into our care. Read more of this article... about Hope for the best, prepare for the worst!
The receptionists at Doctor Surgeries have a pretty poor reputation amongst some. I always felt sorry for them. After all, they have to deal with the whiners who have a sniffle and are angling for a sick note. They have to deal with the parents of Billy Bob precious who has a spot on his nose and must be seen to immediately. Generally, they have to deal with the great unwashed. Today they dealt with me. Read more of this article... about Doctor, Doctor!
Despite being 20 years in the making and totally ad libbed it isn't too bad. Shocked at the wrinkles on Patsy although she's marvellously game, love her to bits. Note to self: Avoid mirrors and stay hydrated. Read more of this article... about Patsy and Eddie do the Olympics
Some months ago I was asked to review a book for My Family!(tm) by none other than Cheril Bey-Clarke, one of the co-founders of the company and loving partner of Monica. Recognising a need for LGBT specific books they set about creating them and a company to produce them. Bringing both of their talents to bear in this has produced a result which is excellent. Read more of this article... about Freddy and Frieda's Travelling Tales: Meet the Families
After a wait that seems out of proportion to all of the other waits we have had, the adoption order papers were dropped off today at our house while we were on a family outing! What a lovely surprise to end the day!
We just need to check the details, sign the declarations and lodge the papers in the court to get a hearing date now. Then Heather and James will officially become our daughter and son and we will become their legal daddies! The kids can't wait for two main reasons in order of importance to them (in their words!): Read more of this article... about Adoption Papers
Today was one of those days where everything went right. The kids woke up and weren't grumpy. We all had breakfast without the customary minor squabbles over who had one more Weeto than the other or who had a millilitre more juice.
Both got dressed well. Even James got dressed without making a big deal about his socks or playfully putting his underpants on his head. Numpty. Read more of this article... about Accepted?
As a fresh faced Prospective Adopter you will be nervous and this is only to be expected. Don’t worry! The first visit is generally a bit of a get to know you session and an overview of the process. As part of this the social worker will begin making a plan on how to get you from being a Prospective Adopter to being an Approved Adopter. What you should do is look to see what you can do to make the process work for you. Read more of this article... about The first visit!
There is a lot of work that you have to do as part of the application process with the majority being done on the home visits as well as some left behind as homework for you to do. Yes, there is homework and lot's of it! Read more of this article... about Preparing for the home visits
This is a recounting of our journey and experiences, your own journey will almost certainly differ but there should be at least some similarities.
Once we had both agreed we wanted to adopt we applied to our local Adoption Agency (Local Authority). Our experience was initially quite pleasant and we honestly had no idea what to expect. There were a few telephone questions and then an appointment was made for a Social Worker to visit us. Read more of this article... about Applying to be a Prospective Adopter
Preparing to apply.
This step is not at all about completing the forms. This is subset of actions that are entirely optional at this stage however I found them extremely useful and they also helped speed up the entire adoption process from initial application to being Approved Adopters. Read more of this article... about Preparing to apply to adopt
