Danyell & Lindy’s blog
Posted on March 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Recent figures published show that 1 in 6 adoptions in 2020 were to same-sex couples, the highest proportion since records began. However, new data also revealed that 37% of LGBT+ people were unsure if they were eligible to adopt.
As part of LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering week 2021 (1 – 7 March) Adoption@Heart will be sharing stories from some of our adopters, highlighting their journey and experiences of adoption.
New Family Social, founders of Adoption and Fostering Week, provides support to LGBT+ people going through the adoption and fostering process. It works directly with its members and agencies to find families for children in care.
The theme for this year is #BuildYourFamily. Below, read about how Danyell and Lindy chose to build their family.
Danyell and Lindy have been together 15 years and married for 8 and enjoy travelling to new places and taking on new experiences. Between them, they have a 17 year old daughter – Lindy’s birth child – who keeps them both busy and entertained.
However, they have always known that adopting a child together is something they both wanted to do and have recently started their journey with Adoption@Heart.
Danyell said: “We have both wanted to adopt for a very long time, however it’s just been finding the right time in our lives to move forward with it. I feel I’ve already done it once as I took my daughter on when she was 2 years old and she’s amazing and we all just want to add to our family.
“Our view is there are plenty of children out there that need a loving family and home so why don’t we provide a home for a child who needs one.”
At the moment, the couple are coming to the end the first stage of the adoption process, having recently undertaken the three days preparation training.
Throughout the adoption process, which normally takes about 6 months, we support you and keep you up to date on your progress. There are two stages to the adoption approval process: Stage 1 takes around 2 months and Stage 2 takes 4 months, with the final part being where you are recommended to a panel for approval.
Lindy said: “It feels like it has taken forever to get to this point, but it’s actually not been that long. We are really looking forward to moving on to Stage 2, completing our prospective adopters report and getting approved!
“We have been on the 3 day preparation training and it was great. It really opened our eyes to things we hadn’t considered, made us reflect on decisions and ultimately made us 100% sure this was the right decision for us.”
Before starting their adoption journey, they did try IVF but decided that it wasn’t the right path for them to add to their family. Danyell said: “When that didn’t work the first time, we decided not to go through with it again as we were both already thinking about adoption.
“We did briefly consider fostering; however, our daughter thought the adoption route would be better.”
Lindy adds: “Adoption@Heart came recommended to us by a friend who had a very positive experience with the agency.
“We haven’t found any issues or differences with being a same sex couple, we have been treated the same as everyone else.
“The whole journey has been positive so far, yes its draining and difficult at times but its ultimately good as it’s moving us towards extending our family.”
And to anyone who is considering starting their adoption journey, both Danyell and Lindy say: “Go for it, take the first step! Don’t hang back, book on to a virtual information event and take the next step in building your family.”
Adoption@Heart is the Regional Adoption Agency for the Black Country, providing adoption services for City of Wolverhampton Council, Walsall Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Children’s Trust.
Due to Coronavirus restrictions, Adoption@Heart have moved all their information events online. The virtual information events take place every two weeks and are the perfect place for those who are ready to start their adoption journey or would like more information.
Future event dates are available here which include details on how to book your place via Eventbrite.
For more information call 01902 55 3818 or email info@adoptionatheart.org.uk
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