Loving adoptive homes needed for under twos

That's the heart-warming feedback from adopted dad Simon, who's sharing his story as part of new appeal to find loving homes for children in Lancashire and Blackpool, especially babies and toddlers.

When Simon and his partner, Stuart, adopted baby Freddie earlier this year, their lives life changed forever.

For the first time in three years, more than half of the children waiting with Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool are aged under two years old.

In Lancashire, 26 children are waiting to be matched with a permanent loving home, as well as 11 in Blackpool.

There are more boys than girls and half of these children have been waiting for more than six months to be matched with a permanent loving home.

Adopting a younger child means you can share all their first milestones with them like seeing their first smile, helping them take their first steps, and celebrating their first birthday with them.

Simon continued:

"Adopting Freddie has been an incredible and life-changing experience for us as two same-sex male parents. From the very beginning of the adoption process, we felt supported by the service and our social worker, which made the journey smoother and more empowering than we ever imagined.

"Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool (ALB) and our social worker have been pillars of support throughout the entire process of bringing Freddie into our family. From the outset the agency made sure we felt informed and comfortable with each phase of the process, from explaining the process to guiding us through the necessary paperwork.

"Our social worker was especially compassionate, taking the time to get to know us and understand our hopes and dreams for the family we were building. Her personalised approach made us feel like she was genuinely invested in helping us become parents, and her constant communication helped ease any anxieties we had along the way.

"ALB advocated for us and Freddie, ensuring that his best interests were always at the forefront of every decision. When challenges arose, whether logistical or emotional, they were, and always are, there with support and practical advice. Their guidance gave us the tools we needed to become the best parents possible for Freddie, and we’re forever grateful for the role they played in helping us create our family."

Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Children and Families said:

"It is heart-warming to hear happy stories like Simon and Freddie's.  I hope their experience will inspire others to take the plunge and explore the joy and opportunity to be found by fostering a Lancashire child.

"If you would like to add to your family and have it in your heart to love one of our wonderful children, get in touch with our team."

Louise Anderson, Chair of Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool, said: 

"We keenly accept applications from people of any sexuality or gender. It doesn't matter if you are married, have a partner or are single. Caring for children can be for anyone.

"It is just vital that these children find loving, stable, supportive homes. We are hopeful that someone very special is out there for them, we just need them to come forward.

"Anyone who would love to adopt but has concerns about whether they can take on the costs of expanding their family, is encouraged to talk to our adoption team."

"Adoption is a big life-changing decision for someone to consider, but there is so much support on hand to help guide adopting parents and children through the process of new beginnings. We'd love to hear from anyone who is thinking of starting that journey to a new family."

Councillor Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council's cabinet member for Children’s Social Care, said:

“We always encourage anyone who is thinking about adopting to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team.

"You can talk to them on the phone and we also hold regular information events across the county where you can find out more about adopting with us and ask any questions you may have. We would love to encourage more loving potential adopters to come forward."

Find out more at adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk or by calling 0300 123 6727.

*Names and images have been changed to protect the children's identity.