We caught up with Swansea residents Andrew and Antoine for LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week. The guys are currently in Stage 1 of the adoption process awaiting the end of stage review.
So, how the did the decision to adopt arise with WBAS?
“We started talking about children in 2022 and our potential options with adoption, says Andrew.
“We reached out to Western Bay Adoption as our local authority service that year but we had a lot going on so didn’t progress it.
“We then spent a good year and half gathering information about adoption before getting back in touch in September 2024.
“We were contacted by a social worker called Ruth during the Christmas period and we had our initial visit soon after.
“Ruth was amazing. Very thorough and we were never afraid to ask any questions. The first meetings were quite long and thorough but they solidified a lot of foundations for us.
“There was a lot of honesty about the process in terms of the duration and what it’s going to take to get through it.”
Were there any fears or apprehensions felt during these early stages?
“There were some scary moments at the beginning when you are thinking about your history for example and some doubts do arise, says Andrew.
“Ruth did put us at ease during these moments though” interjects Antoine.
“I’ve got a heart condition, says Andrew, and it was playing on my mind a bit. A bit of the fear of the unknown and wondering whether it could actually stop us adopting.
“These things however are just a part of life and it’s just about managing them. We went to a workshop this week at WBAS and we met people from all walks of life who have suffered from and in some cases overcome all sorts of problems. There were quite a few present who have suffered mental health issues.
“Whatever you feel is holding you back, that can become your superpower! adds Antoine.
The guys are now nearing the end of Stage 1 of the adoption process. Stage 1 of the process is when a lot of preparatory work is conducted in addition to medical checks, history tracing and referencing. The final part of Stage 1 is the review.
“Communication has been good, says Andrew, there’s been little nudges when things are needed from us so we are not worried about the review.”
So all going well onto Stage 2 of the adoption process! Any initial thoughts about that?
“Slightly nervy naturally, says Antoine, but the training and workshops in Stage 1 have prepared us well. We also dug quite deep with our Workbooks in Stage 1, looking into our pasts and our personal development.
“As we get closer to Panel there were still be some nerves and doubts but again I’m sure Ruth will get us through it!”
As we draw towards the end of LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week are there any messages the guys would like to convey to people from the LGBTQ+ community thinking of adoption?
“Some people might think there’s always a stigma around this, says Antoine, but there isn’t!
“Everyone has been really supportive and there’s lots of resources to guide you the best way possible.”
“Some people have fears about their pasts, says Andrew, medicals for example, but as was touched on earlier these fears can become your superpower! All the training and support has been great, if you are thinking about it – go for it!”
Find out more about LGBTQ+ adoption with WBAS here