John and Sarah adopted three siblings – Ella (6½), Jay (5), and David (2) – over ten years ago. Their goal was to keep siblings together, believing it would provide continuity and mutual support. They knew adoption would bring challenges, but nothing could prepare them for the emotional intensity of those first months – the tears, the tantrums, and the sheer determination it took to keep moving forward as a family.

Those early months were some of the most challenging. Ella found the move to school overwhelming, frequently resisting the idea of leaving home and reacting with strong, disruptive behaviours.

“Not wanting to put shoes on, throwing shoes… lots of fighting and kicking. I had bruises all over my arms for a little while.”

Jay faced difficulties with emotional regulation and friendships, while David initially resisted nursery and showed signs of sensory sensitivity. The couple quickly realised that theoretical knowledge from training was hard to apply in the heat of the moment:

“You know where the behaviour is coming from, but in the stress of daily life, it’s hard to step back and remember that.”

CCS Adoption Support

From the beginning, CCS was a steady presence for John and Sarah, offering practical help and reassurance that they were never alone in navigating the complexities of adoption. What stood out most was the depth of support that continued well beyond the initial placement. CCS didn’t just guide them through the paperwork and introductions – it stayed involved as real-life challenges unfolded.

The agency provided regular check-ins, advice on managing behaviours, and access to therapeutic services when the family needed them most. This included securing funding for specialist interventions like sensory integration therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, which helped the children process trauma and strengthen their bonds with their parents. CCS also connected the family to peer support groups and activities such as Tots and Forest School, creating safe spaces where the children could play without judgment, and the parents could share experiences with others who truly understood.

Reflecting on this, John and Sarah said:

“We didn’t realise at first how much CCS does afterwards… It’s been really, really solid.”

The ongoing care, practical strategies, and emotional support became a lifeline during difficult times, helping them move from survival mode to a place of stability and confidence as a family. Sensory integration strategies became an important part of Ella’s progress, helping her manage overwhelming emotions and find calm through activities like spinning and using crunchy foods for regulation. Alongside this, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) provided a safe space for Ella to explore her feelings and begin to process the loss and uncertainty in her early life. Over time, these interventions helped her build trust and security, transforming her relationship with her parents and strengthening the bond within the family.

CCS groups such as Tots and Forest School provided safe spaces for the children and parents:

“It was great on lots of levels… activities for the kids and, just as importantly, interaction with other adoptive parents. That support group was invaluable.”

The sessions played a key role in helping David move past his early sensory sensitivities. Initially hesitant to engage in messy play or tactile activities, he gradually became more comfortable through the supportive environment CCS provided. Over time, this shift not only reduced his aversion but also encouraged him to explore new experiences with enthusiasm, building confidence and resilience that extended beyond the playgroup setting.

When concerns about self-harm arose during adolescence, CCS offered timely guidance:

“Talking around that subject was really helpful… it gave me a better understanding and reduced my fear.”

The Impact

The transformation has been remarkable. Ella, once anxious and withdrawn, now walks confidently into college. Jay, who battled low self-esteem, has found his strength on the rugby field and is learning to channel his emotions in positive ways. And David – the little boy who once feared messy play – has grown into a spirited teenager, thriving in friendships and outdoor adventures.

John and Sarah believe CCS’s support was pivotal:

“Without those groups and that access, we would have floundered more. It gave us strategies, confidence, and a network we didn’t even know we needed.”

How CCS Adoption made the difference

CCS’s approach went far beyond the basics of adoption. It brought together professional expertise, therapeutic support, and a strong sense of community to create a lasting impact. The agency didn’t just guide John and Sarah through the early stages – it continued to be there as challenges arose, offering practical strategies, emotional reassurance, and a network that made them feel supported every step of the way.

The therapeutic input was transformative. Sensory integration strategies and DDP gave the family ways to manage trauma-related behaviours and strengthen bonds. Training and advice helped them understand the “why” behind behaviours, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for connection.

Equally important was the community CCS built. Through groups like Tots and Forest School, John and Sarah found a safe space where their children could play without judgment and where they could share experiences with other adoptive parents. These networks became a lifeline during times of isolation and stress.

Today, John and Sarah describe themselves as proud parents of three resilient young people. They credit CCS with giving them the confidence and support to navigate challenges that could have overwhelmed them:

“We’re very happy we chose CCS… We have great kids, we’re proud of them, and CCS has been so supportive.”

CCS didn’t just guide this family through adoption – it gave them hope, practical tools, and a community that turned uncertainty into confidence and helped them flourish together.

Our Impact