Every year, families across Thurrock open their hearts and homes to children through adoption, offering love, stability and a fresh start to those who need it most.
The decision to adopt can come with many questions, but for two Thurrock families, it’s been one of the most rewarding journeys of their lives.
We spoke to two couples about how adoption helped them build the families they had always dreamed of.
“You don’t have to be blood-related to love someone as your own”
After trying to conceive naturally and undergoing IVF without success, Sarah and Ben (names changed for anonymity) began exploring adoption. For them, family was never just about biology, it was about connection.
Sarah said: “My father-in-law was in foster care, and I had a stepmother growing up. We knew you didn’t have to be blood-related to love someone as your own.”
Their journey began with enquiries to several agencies, but it was Thurrock Council that stood out.
Ben said: “Thurrock made it much more personal. They answered all our questions and made us feel at ease straight away.”
From training to being approved by panel, the couple felt supported every step of the way. “It was a very happy day for us,” they recalled.
Now, life with their child is full of joy. “We can’t imagine life without them,” they said. They’re currently working on a life story book to help their child understand and celebrate their journey.
Their advice to others? “Just get in touch with Thurrock Council and ask lots of questions. The training is great, and the support is there. You’ll feel fully prepared for life with a child.”
“We’ve got everything we wanted”
Ian and Carly’s journey to adoption began with a shared dream of having children. After having a birth son, who is now ten years old and experiencing miscarriages, they decided adoption was the right path to complete their family.
Drawing from their work in the police force, they felt a strong calling to provide a loving home to a child in need.
The first year of the process was intense but also enlightening. It sparked a deeper interest in understanding children’s needs, as Ian began self-learning about ADHD, which helped them better understand their biologicals son’s needs and prepare for adoption.
One of the most memorable moments was being approved at panel. Hearing their social worker speak about their strengths as a couple and receiving positive feedback from the panel “reinforced our belief that we were ready” Ian said.
They thought carefully about finding the right match that would work not just for them, but for their son and the child they would be adopting. With the support of their social worker, they found their daughter, and everything clicked. Carly, said “I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and as soon as we came across our daughter, it just felt right.”
The three-week transition period before placement helped their daughter settle quickly. They spent time getting to know her, learning her routines from her foster carer, and building a bond. Thanks to this preparation, she was able to settle comfortably into their home, “Following her familiar bedtime routine helped her feel safe and comfortable,” Ian said.
Now a family of four, life is full of laughter and love. “Our daughter adores her big brother,” Carly said. “We feel extremely lucky.”
Ian’s message to others is simple:
“I would fully recommend adoption to everyone. It’s rewarding — not just for you, but for the child and their future. You need to be sure, and support each other through the process. But I can’t speak more highly about it.”
To learn more about adoption or to start your journey, visit: www.thurrock.gov.uk/adoption
