Megan

Megan is a happy, smiley, and affectionate two-year-old girl, who has been living with her adoptive family for almost a year. She loves cuddles and exploring the world around her and gives the best smiles. Megan was born with Down’s Syndrome and this impacts aspects of her development, including learning, communication, and her gross and fine motor skills. She has difficulties swallowing, which means she has a mixed intake of food through her mouth, but also through a feeding tube. Megan has always had a determined side to her personality and doesn’t let her diagnoses hold her back. She is learning Makaton signs at an incredible speed and has found ways to move independently whilst she is still learning to walk.

Megan’s adoptive family was identified after a period of family finding and initial discussions began focusing on her likes and dislikes. Time was also spent exploring Megan’s diagnoses and what they would mean for her future health and wellbeing, and her adoptive parents met with as many health professionals as felt necessary to discuss each aspect of Megan’s care. Megan’s adopters also included a member of their support network in these meetings as a form of support to them.

The period where Megan moved from her foster carer to her adoptive family was done at a pace that was right for everyone and this included giving her new parents time to become familiar with Megan’s feeding tube, medication routine and ways of communicating. Megan’s adoptive family spent time observing the foster carers, they then started getting involved, before taking the lead and doing this themselves. Megan was then supported by her foster carers and social worker to move to her new home - she loved her new bedroom.

Some adopters may have been apprehensive about meeting the needs of a child like Megan, however her primary need was for stability, love, and consistent care – the specifics can be learnt. Megan’s adopters were supported to consider all the necessary information, and to think what this would look like for them as parents.

Megan’s adoptive family recognise that some days are harder than others, and they have had to be strong in their advocacy for Megan. Megan is very settled in her forever family and has made so much progress since she moved. She has a great care team of professionals around her, and this offers her adoptive family the support they need. She attends nursery and thoroughly enjoys spending time with her adoptive cousins and grandparents. Adopting a child with additional needs can bring such an array joy and rewards.

Ethnic and cultural descent:

White British.

Family needed:

Parents who can meet Megan’s needs now and as they change and develop over time. Openness to celebrate all successes no matter what size.

Contact plans:

Annual two-way letterbox contact with birth parents.