Age is only a number
Almost half of new adopters in Somerset, over the last four years, are aged 40 plus, latest figures reveal.
Right now 25 children are waiting to be adopted in Somerset and the County Council is urging people of all ages to consider adoption.
Cllr John Osman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “There is no age limit for parents wanting to adopt in Somerset. Many people think they are too old to adopt but this is not the case. Adopting later in life has its benefits; people often have more life experience, are more settled and have more time to spare to focus on nurturing a child. Our aim is to find children safe and stable families and we would never turn people away from adopting because of their age.”
Ross, aged 52, adopted two girls with his partner Louise earlier this year.
Ross spoke about the adoption: “It was around 18 months from the start of our adoption journey that we welcomed two wonderful, beautiful and (extremely lively) sisters aged three and five to live with us and join our family.
“For me this was my second time around, I already had two incredible grown up girls, from a previous relationship. For Louise, my partner, this moment was life changing in every respect; something that she had never even dared to dream that would happen to her.
“Our journey started when Louise made enquiries with the local adoption team at Somerset County Council. It took me quite a few days to get my head around the idea of having young children again, but I realised how important this was for Louise and our relationship. I also recalled how happy I had been with young children in my life and how fulfilling family life and parenting is. I also felt that in my late 20’s and 30’s the quality time spent with my children was limited by long working hours and dominated with my career and paying the mortgage. Now, later in life, many of those restrictions are behind me and I have more time and understanding to offer our new family.
“We were approved to adopt following assessments and training, and only two months later we were matched with our two girls. We received an in-depth dossier to study and were immediately drawn in and captivated by these children and were desperate to improve their distressingly poor start in life. This spurred us on to provide them with a secure, loving home and a chance of happiness. Meeting the children was an incredibly moving experience, which I can easily compare with natural childbirth; the wait, expectation, nerves, dreams and responsibility presented to us was mind-blowing! We were not disappointed; the children were exactly as described and it was a very moving experience, we immediately felt connected.
“Our girls have settled into their new life and family surroundings extremely well. Life is hectic as you would imagine and like all households there are moments of joy, happiness, tears and noise! We are all very happy, extremely lucky and delighted to have adopted such wonderful children who we love very much.”
To find out more information about adoption visit www.adoptioninsomerset.org.ukor phone 0800 587 9900 for an information pack.
ENDS
For more information on the County Council’s adoption campaign, contact Julia Farrar, Communications Officer, on 01823 356618 or email: jfarrar@somerset.gov.uk
Notes to Editors:
- Please note the names and details of the adopters have been changed to protect their identity.
- Somerset County Council recommends that there is a 45 year age gap between the adopter and the adopted child.
Have a question? There are lots of ways to get in touch... simply request a call-back, contact us on freephone 0800 587 9900 or email us at childrens@somerset.gov.uk.