When Claire and her partner decided to adopt, they knew their lives would change – but nothing could have prepared them for welcoming three children at once. In 2009, through CCS Adoption, they became parents to three siblings aged four, five, and six. The children had come from a large sibling group and had experienced neglect and trauma, resulting in complex needs: attachment difficulties, challenges with emotional regulation, and underdeveloped social skills.

From the very beginning, CCS stood out

Claire recalls how she and her partner were “immediately impressed… very warm, very friendly… made it feel like this was a distinct possibility.” Unlike their experience with the local authority, CCS felt approachable, consistent, and genuinely invested in the well-being of adoptive families. Their preparation training was “exemplary… incredibly supportive, really insightful, very enabling.” It gave them the knowledge and confidence they needed – while also acknowledging that “no one is ever truly prepared.”

Those first months were intense. Claire’s redundancy and her husband’s four-month adoption leave allowed them to co-parent full-time, something she describes as “massive” for bonding. During this period, CCS provided unwavering support. Their social worker, Kate, phoned every night for the first couple of weeks, offering reassurance and guidance. That continuity of care made the family feel safe, held, and never alone.

As the children grew, CCS continued to make a profound difference

They guided the family through accessing the Adoption Support Fund, which funded transformative therapy for their middle child, Leo. “He did that for about six months, paid for by the adoption support fund. And it was transformative for him.” Their younger daughter, Sophie, and eldest, Ella, also received therapeutic support when needed. Before the ASGSF existed, Claire and her partner had to pay privately, making CCS’s advice and funding guidance invaluable.

Education soon emerged as one of their biggest challenges. “Education is a big area where I think families need a lot of support… schools are better… but I think there’s still much to be done.” Trauma and attachment needs made school environments difficult for all three children, and Claire frequently had to advocate for understanding and accommodations. CCS’s family support workers helped broker conversations with schools, which were a lifeline during some of the most stressful periods. Eventually, these experiences inspired Claire to become a pastoral lead in a school. “I actually work in a school now as a pastoral lead because this is where my children taught me so much.”

As the children approached adulthood, CCS also supported the family through the sensitive process of reconnecting with their birth family. Navigating contact after years of separation was emotionally complex, and CCS offered guidance at every step. “I rang up, and they were really, really helpful because I wanted some advice about how best to do that.”

Looking back, Claire is clear

CCS didn’t just help her family adopt – they helped them keep going through the hardest and most defining moments of their journey. Their warmth, expertise, and long-term commitment shaped not just the children’s futures but the entire family’s ability to thrive.

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