A THOUGHT-provoking new handbook, Forever Families: The Highs and Lows of Modern-Day Adoption, offers a rare and honest glimpse into the world of adoption, through the voices of those who live it every day.
Commissioned by the Berkshire based charity Parenting Special Children (PSC), authors Shirley Anstis and Zobia Kalim have brought together a collection of 34 deeply personal stories, spanning a diverse range of families and experiences.
Adoptive parents open up about their life-changing journey of adoption, the struggles they face in securing vital support for their children, and the profound resilience and love that binds these families together.
Released at a critical time, the book follows the UK government’s recent announcement of significant cuts to the Adoption Support Fund, a move that adoptive families and professionals fear will make it even harder to access the therapeutic help many children desperately need.
“These are not just stories, they are real-life lived experiences of families shared with courage and honesty,” said Zobia Kalim, Trauma Service Manager for PSC.
“This book gives a voice to those often unheard.
“It highlights that adoptive families need more support, not less.”
Forever Families is also a practical guide for prospective adopters, offering heartfelt advice from those who have walked the path.
It hopes to bring about positive change by including recommendations for policymakers and service providers like adoption agencies, CAMHS, Children’s Services, Virtual School Heads and other educators.
Yuan Yang Labour MP for Earley and Woodley said: “I’m hugely grateful to Shirley and Zobia for inviting me to join them at their book launch, and for the invaluable work they do to support adoptive families in Berkshire.
“I was touched by the stories shared following families’ lived experiences of adoption.
“My office is always available to support constituents where we can, be it assistance in accessing national government services or in signposting to other support.
“If you think we might be able to help, please email: yuan.yang.mp@parliament.uk.”
The book, available to buy on Amazon, has been designed by Alice Lofting and Mariam Al-Alami, students from the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at the University of Reading, who brought the families’ stories to life with care and sensitivity.
For information, visit: parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
