Most of the children in England waiting for adoption are under four. Over half are waiting to be adopted with at least one brother or sister. The children come from a range of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, and some may have additional needs. What they all have in common is that they have had a difficult start in life and have experienced neglect and abuse before being removed from their birth families to the care system.

In the last three years (2020-23), CCS Adoption found families for 76 children. Their average age was just under three years old. Read these profiles of some children who are typical of the children waiting.

Lydia (Early Permanence)

Age: 6 months

Ethnicity: White British

Legal Status: Interim Care Order

The adoption medical report states Lydia is in good physical health. Her birth father is reported to have ADHD and autism; both conditions carry hereditary aspects, therefore she may be at an increased risk of either condition herself. Her birth father is a careleaver whose symptoms may relate to his early life experiences. Lydia is currently too young for an assessment of this, however, she is meeting all her milestones and is in good health. Lydia is her parents’ first child. At birth, she entered into a parent-and-baby foster placement with her birth mother.

The assessment was meant to be for twelve weeks, under a child protection plan due to concerns regarding the parental ability to offer Lydia a safe level of care in the community. Sadly, the care provided to Lydia by her birth mother during this time frame was inconsistent. Both the carer and the local authority remained concerned about Lydia’s birth mother’s ability to make safe decisions regarding Lydia.

Lydia’s birth mother tried hard to meet all of Lydia’s care needs and clearly wanted what was best for her throughout the assessment process. However, she then made the brave decision to act in Lydia’s best interests and support an alternative plan of permanency for Lydia. Lydia’s birth mother then left the foster placement, but this is where Lydia remains. Lydia requires a loving, nurturing and safe foster family, who can offer her a range of child-centred and stimulating activities so she can continue to grow and develop. They should have been assessed as suitable to offer adoption to Lydia, should this become the decision for her.

Leroy and Atilla

Age: 4 and 5 years old

Ethnicity: Birth Mother White English & Birth Father White English/Black Caribbean

Leroy and Atilla are active brothers who enjoy stimulating toys and games. Both boys need to wear glasses. Difficult early life experiences have had an emotional impact on both boys and they need to be placed together in a stable, secure and affectionate adoptive family. The boys and their younger brother have lived together with the same foster family since becoming looked after. Their younger brother has special needs and we are seeking a separate adoptive family for him.

Leroy is an inquisitive boy who seeks attention and reassurance and thrives on being loved. He enjoys playing outdoors, especially at the local park. He also has a passion for drawing and colouring. He has settled within his foster care family and responded well to the structure of routines. In his foster home, Leroy has shown affection and closeness towards his foster siblings and carers. It is expected that he will make significant attachments to his new family but needs support to recognise that affection shared is not affection diluted. He missed out on early education but since being placed with his carers he has started reception class and is enjoying learning and socialising with peers.

Atilla is an outgoing little boy with a cheeky smile. He loves to give affection and receive it. He needs help to recognise that he is significant and does not need to resort to attention-seeking behaviour to be loved and receive attention. He enjoys playing with Leroy and being in the garden. He has started nursery school which he enjoys. Because his attention-seeking behaviour can affect his ability to concentrate, he has some learning needs and will receive support in the future when he attends school, to help him reach his potential.

Contact: twice-yearly letterbox contact is envisaged with their birth parents, as well as twice-yearly contact with their brother. Leroy and Atilla’s adoptive parents may need to reflect on the children’s ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds if appropriate.

Katie

Age: 1 year old

Ethnicity: White British

Katie is a happy baby who usually wakes up smiling. She has lived with her current carers since she was 10 days old. Katie has poor muscle tone which means she has to be handled as if a new baby. Katie has been identified as a child with special needs; the extent of these needs is not yet clear due to her age. Tests have proved inconclusive, but it is thought Katie will have special educational needs and may need continuing care. Katie is beginning to sit unaided for a few minutes and likes to push herself along on her back. She is having physiotherapy to help her develop the right muscles to develop her mobility. Katie is now beginning to eat more solids.

Katie’s carer describes her as being a delightful little girl and says her smile makes everything worthwhile. Katie is aware when her carer leaves the room and is responsive when she returns. Katie is aware of new environments and can be unsettled by change, taking time to settle down. Katie likes having close contact with people and being cuddled. She thrives on attention, enjoys watching people, and loves company and other children. Katie likes having baths, she needs great care at bath time as she appears to have no muscle control and can have spasms in the bath. However, Katie now has special equipment which gives her support and helps her feel secure.

Contact: Letterbox contact is envisaged with her birth parents.

Saffron, Jamile & Tia

Age: 3, 2 and 1 years old

Ethnicity: Mother – White British, Father believed to be Muslim and Asian

These three children have a close bond and need to be adopted together. Jamile and Saffron are fostered together; they have frequent contact with Tia who is fostered separately.

Jamile is an inquisitive and active child with a happy disposition, his behaviour is quite normal for his age. Jamile’s overall developmental progress is within normal limits. He is developing appropriate attachments to his birth family and his foster family.

Saffron is a cheerful and very affectionate little girl. She is meeting all her developmental milestones. She has a good appetite and overall her growth pattern has been normal. She has plenty of energy and sleeps well. Her developmental progress is normal.

Tia has a healthy appetite and eats most things that she is offered. The foster carer feels that Tia is currently ahead of her age on her milestones. Tia shows strong appropriate attachments. Tia is a very active and alert baby she does not stop moving. She enjoys playing with a variety of toys. Whilst she is able to play and amuse herself, Tia clearly enjoys playing with her foster carer more than any toy.
Saffron, Jamile and Tia’s adoptive parents may need to reflect on the children’s ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds if appropriate.

Jake

Age: 4 years old

Ethnicity: White/European

Jake is described by his foster carers as a lovely boy, not only beautiful but funny with a zest for life. Sadly, Jake’s background is one of neglect and uncertainty. Both his parents suffered from learning difficulties, so this made it hard for them to meet his needs. His early life was unsafe and chaotic and he missed out on play, stimulation and touch.

He has recently started school, but as this is all new for him he needs lots of support. More recently Jake has had a diagnosis of epilepsy, although this is being controlled with medication, with no recent seizures. Jake still needs lots of help dressing and wears supportive shoes to help with his mobility, but can happily run and jump around.

Whilst it remains unclear how much of Jake’s global developmental delay is environmental or organic he is a kind and caring little boy who needs a calm and nurturing family to look after him.

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