Starting back to school can be an exciting yet nerve-wrecking time for any child, but for adopted children, the experience might come with unique challenges and emotions. As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s transition back to school. Here are 10 valuable tips to ensure a smooth and positive start to the school year.

 

Open Communication

Foster open and honest communications about school, addressing any worries or concerns your child might have. Create a safe space for them to express their feelings and ask questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Establish Routines

Consistent routines provide a sense of security. Set up a regular schedule for mornings, evenings and study time. We know this is easier said than done but predictability helps your child feel more in control and settled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore Learning Styles

Identify how your child learns best – whether they are visual learners who benefit from diagrams and pictures, auditory learners who thrive through spoken explanations, or kinaesthetic learners who learn by doing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address Bullying and Teasing

Talk to your child about potential challenges like bullying. Equip them with strategies to handle bullying and teasing, encouraging them to assertively but calming express their feelings, set boundaries, and seek help from teachers or adults when necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collaborate with other Parents

Connect with fellow parents, both those with adopted children and others. Joining parent support groups or attending school-related events can help you build a network of understanding individuals who can offer advice and encouragement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encourage Friendships

Creating meaningful friendships is essential for your child’s sense of belonging and social development. Help your child by arranging/hosting playdates and encouraging participating in extra-curricular activities aligned with their interests such as trying out for a sports team or joining the school choir.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Healthy Meals and Snacks

Proper nutrition is vital for optimal school performance. Pack balanced meals and snacks that include proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods provide sustained energy levels and support cognitive function.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Support Emotional Regulation

Equip your child with emotional coping strategies. Teach them deep breathing techniques, mindfulness exercises, or provide them with a ‘calm down’ kit filled with items that help them manage stress or anxiety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s academic and personal achievements, no matter how small! Positive reinforcement boosts their self-esteem and motivation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Practice Patience

Understand that adjusting to school can be a gradual process, especially for adopted children. Be patient and offer reassurance as they navigate new experiences. Celebrate small victories and provide emotional support during any challenging times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to school time is chance for your child to embrace new experiences, learn and grow. By implementing these tips, you will create a supportive environment that helps your child thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Remember, your role as a parent is pivotal in guiding your child through this exciting journey.

 

The Family Care Placement Team is overjoyed to share a heartwarming update on their incredible work over the last 12 months. Since, July 2022, our hardworking team have successfully placed 7 children for adoption with their approved adoptive families.

 

These children, ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years old have been welcomed to their new homes and their journey was filled with the tireless efforts of the Family Care Placement Team, who worked diligently to match each child with parents who are committed to providing a stable and permanent home.

 

In June 2023, the agency experienced a profound sense of joy and fulfilment as Adoption Orders were granted to two of their extraordinary families. Andrew* and John* welcomed their adorable daughter, Emily* into their lives. Similarly, Peter* and Linda* opened their hearts and home to their little girl, Sarah*, forming an unbreakable bond that promises a lifetime of love and care.

 

It has been an incredible journey witnessing the growth and development of these two families. Emily and Sarah have made remarkable progress since they moved to their new homes. It is the love and commitment of these families that has the power to change the course of a child’s life, giving them the chance to thrive in a nurturing and secure environment.

 

If you feel that you could provide a child or siblings with a stable and permanent home through adoption, we would love to hear from you.

 

 

*Names changed for confidentiality

At Family Care Adoption Services, we were delighted to host a post adoption family day at the Jungle NI. Despite the less-than-perfect weather, our spirits remained undampened as we embarked on a day full of adventure!

 

The primary objective of our post adoption gatherings is to provide families with the opportunity to establish meaning bonds amongst themselves. The event featured a variety of engaging activities, including archery, bungee trampolines, indoor rock climbing, pedalo boat rides, a quad train, and a rodeo bull. These activities were selected to encourage interactions and promote a sense of togetherness and camaraderie in children and parents alike.

 

Upon arrival, the families were warmly welcome and invited to participate in the planned activities. Children, brimming with anticipation, eagerly explored the diversions, engaging in archery and delighting in bungee trampolines. The indoor rock-climbing wall presented a test of skill and determination and the rain thankfully eased to allow shared experiences on the pedalo boats and quad train ride. The rodeo bull, though challenging, was a source of amusement for both children and adults!

 

Throughout the day, moments of laughter and encouragement resonated across the venue and in quieter venues, families congregated over a delicious lunch to converse, sharing stories and insights related to their adoption experiences. The occasion facilitated a natural bond among the families, drawing on their common journey of parenthood.

 

At Family Care, events like these reinforce the significant need for connections within a supportive community of families. This event highlighted our agency’s commitment to fostering a nurturing, open and friendly environment, ensuring that the families are provided with opportunities to share in the joys and challenges of their family journey’s.

 

We would like to thank families who attended our event for their presence and for being an integral part of our community here at Family Care!

 

National drive launches to find adopters for children who wait the longest for a permanent home.

 

Today, all regional and voluntary adoption agencies across the country have come together to launch a new ‘You Can Adopt’ campaign highlighting the circle of support important to adopters. The campaign comes as new research reveals that over a third (39%) of parents found support from other parents invaluable when raising their child.

The new campaign aims to reach potential parents for children from certain groups that repeatedly wait longest to be adopted (approximately eight months longer*) and sees a series of new films released featuring real life stories from those who have adopted and fostered children, and others who have been adopted themselves. The films spotlight the various means of support available throughout the adoption journey from regional and voluntary adoption agencies, social care workers, charities, employers, friends, relatives, peers, and more.

As part of the campaign, You Can Adopt has united a number of organisations, including John Lewis and Family Fund, to show their support for adopters. A new podcast episode featuring Love Island winner and former children’s social worker Sanam Harrinanan in conversation with an adopter about their adoption journey also goes live today.

• Children over five wait 16 months longer to be adopted from care than children under five.
• Children with a disability wait nine months longer to be adopted from care than children without a disability.
• Children in sibling groups wait seven months longer to be adopted from care than single children.

Black and mixed heritage children wait two months longer than average to be adopted from care, with delays caused because there are not enough Black and mixed heritage adopters coming forward to adopt children from the same background. This is why, as part of the campaign, a specialised recruitment drive will run to encourage Black and mixed heritage people to consider adoption.

To help find parents for these children, the You Can Adopt campaign aims to encourage potential adopters by acknowledging that, while these groups of children will need additional support, the power of family and a permanent home can be transformational for these children, and a circle of support is available to help adopters on this journey.

If you’ve ever considered adopting and want to find out more about the children who wait the longest, find out more at youcanadopt.co.uk.

 

 

 

At Family Care Adoption Services, we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for adoptive families. Looking back on one of our most cherished events, the Post-Adoption Pottery Event, we are filled with joy and gratitude!

 

The event kicked off with an explosion of creativity as children and parents eagerly picked up their paintbrushes and brought their imaginations to life on the blank pottery canvas. From delicate brush strokes to bold splashes of colour, every piece of pottery reflected the unique personalities and artistic expressions of each family member. The shared experience of creating art not only strengthened familial bonds but also fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment.

 

Our Post-Adoption Pottery Event was a celebration of unity and shared experiences. Families came together, forming connections that transcended their individual adoption journeys. The event provided a safe and inclusive space for adoptive parents to exchange stories, offer support and learn from one another. As laughter filled the air and conversations flowed freely, it was evident that the event has become a catalyst for lifelong friendships. These connections extended beyond the event itself, creating a strong network of support for adoptive families in their ongoing journey of parenthood.

 

Our Post-Adoption Pottery Event was a resounding success, and at Family Care we are committed to continuing to organise events that celebrate the strength and resilience of adoptive families, providing spaces where friendships can flourish. Together, we can create a community that supports, uplifts, and cherishes the unique journey of adoption.

 

Applications for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme are now open and available on the official Boardroom Apprentice website.

Open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, this unique board learning and development programme is looking for a diverse range of Boardroom Apprentices to take a seat at one of the host boards and attend a suite of expertly led learning days throughout the year.

Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme is now in its sixth year and has helped 277 individuals across Northern Ireland make their aspiration of sitting on a board a reality whilst helping to diversify boardrooms in the public and third sector.

Eileen Mullan, said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

This year’s programme will run from September 1, 2023 – until August 31, 2024. Applications close at 3pm on Monday June 19.

To apply go the Boardroom Apprentice programme go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com