Thread by @MetroUK

'A year after adoption, our son has just blended into our family. It’s like he has always been here.'

We're starting #NationalAdoptionWeek today with this powerful story from Molly and Sam, who adopted a 3-year-old boy last year.

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Molly and Sam are sharing their story to raise awareness of adoption as new research shows almost half of people believe adoption is more socially acceptable than it was 10 years ago.

#NationalAdoptionWeek

‘It wasn’t a last resort, and was very much a conscious decision to parent and bring another child into our family.’

Molly says attending adoption information evenings was like a 'weight lifted' for her and her husband Sam when they first looked into adopting a child.

80% of adults don’t fully understand the adoption processes according to a new survey carried out by the National Adoption Recruitment Steering Group.

#NationalAdoptionWeek

'The process is really intense and can be tough at times.'

Molly says that the second part of the adoption process can be difficult to navigate.

#NationalAdoptionWeek

Molly and Sam welcomed their 3-year-old son to their home in Yorkshire and the Humber in the midst of a coronavirus lockdown but said it gave their son time to adjust to his new home.

#NationalAdoptionWeek

‘This was only one of many huge life changes for him, so it was only natural for him to be unsettled, anxious, and internally really confused and scared.'

Molly acknowledged that it was understandable that there would be an adjustment period for her son in his new surroundings.

On how they bonded with their new son, Molly said 'We really focused on building an attachment with him which meant lots of skin to skin, if he was comfortable with that.'

#NationalAdoptionWeek

Molly added 'My son is very much attached to us a year later. We’ve had some bumps in the road which is expected since he has been through the trauma of adoption and so many huge life changes in the first year of his life.'

#NationalAdoptionWeek

On her advice to any potential adoptive parents, Molly said 'Find out as much information as you can and take the leap.'

Read more about #NationalAdoptionWeek online here
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