Darren, Jodie and Craig's story
Misuse of drugs and neglect led to Darren, Jodie and Craig being placed for adoption. During Darren’s early years he was well cared for and loved by his parents – until their addiction problems became apparent. Jodie was born prematurely and suffered early withdrawal symptoms due to her mother’s misuse of drugs during pregnancy. Craig was placed with foster carers at birth due to his mothers continued misuse of heroin. Foster carers in two separate placements have cared for all three children prior to their adoption.
The identified adoptive parents maintained contact with the birth family in the early stages of the placement. Once adopted it is planned that the contact will reduce to an exchange of letters and photographs at the children’s birthdays.
The new family can’t wait until the adoption order is granted!
Julie's Story
Julie was placed with foster carers when she was 14 months old. Her birth mother, who is a chronic drug user, was unable to adequately care for Julie and her birth father was at that time serving a lengthy custodial sentence. Rehabilitation was attempted between Julie and her mother for a period of 12 months. During this time her mother was offered a place in a drug rehabilitation unit. However she only stayed two weeks. She was given counselling by an addiction worker, but often failed to co-operate. She was also offered parenting skills classes but during the contact visits with Julie she was unable to keep the child safe and had little insight into the needs of the toddler. The mother failed to address her drug problem and so the decision was taken to place Julie for adoption. Julie was placed with adopters when she was just over two years old.
Julie is an attractive child who was extremely insecure at the time of placement. Her adoptive parents have provided a secure home for her and she has settled very well with them. She is now a happy, secure child who is meeting her developmental and emotional milestones. Due to her mother's long-standing history of drug abuse, there is an increased risk of chemical dependency in her later life.
It is important that Julie's adoptive parents are sympathetic to her and the birth parents' past. It is not anticipated that there will be ongoing contact with her birth parents once the adoption is granted, but it is expected that the adoptive parents will pass photographs and information to the birth family. This information will be passed via social work staff.
It’s easy to take the first step in becoming an adoptive parent or foster carer, it’s easy to contact us and take the next step.
Phone: 0845 270 0609 between 8.45am and 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am and 3.55pm Friday
E-mail: families.children@sw.glasgow.gov.uk