We Are Family
We Are Family is a peer to peer support community by adopters, for adopters. For ten years they have supported families throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, parents’ groups, events, resources and talks offering mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption.
Support for adoptive families
We Are Family believe that by coming together, sharing experience and understanding, adopters can help each other to thrive. Founded and led by adoptive parents, We Are Family reflects and responds to its members, helping them navigate the challenges and joys that adoption brings.
We Are Family partner with Adopt London to provide WAF Talks, the successful webinar programme for adoptive parents. Specialist webinars run for We Are Family members throughout the year and can be watched back at any time after the event through the Member Hub.
Membership is free and open to families from Stage One of the UK adoption process and anyone who has had a child placed or adopted (check to see which level of membership you are eligible for). To join WAF Talks live or watch any of the talks on demand, as well as to access support groups and resources please join here. If you are already a member and want to register for a talk log in here.
Webinars on demand for members
Advocating for Adoptive Children: Navigating Education Law and EHCP Challenges with Sarah Palmer
Sarah Palmer from Enable Law’s Education Law Team helps adoptive parents navigate the education system, including the challenges of Education, Health and Care plans (EHCP). Join Sarah for practical advice on your child’s education.
Understanding the complex identity needs of your child: A Lived Experience Research Perspective with researcher Anthony Lynch
Researcher Anthony Lynch, discusses the multifaceted aspects of child identity, how to recognise and address these needs, and gain insights from research and personal experiences. Anthony also covered practical strategies for supporting your child’s identity development, understanding the impact of social and cultural factors, and fostering a positive self-image in diverse contexts.
Disability Benefits – what are they and how to apply with Sarah Fry, Belay Foundation
Sarah Fry is an adoptive parent, and founder of the charity The Belay Foundation. The Foundation offers practical support to families parenting traumatised children, such as help with disability benefits and trauma-responsive childcare. Working across England we aim to Improve family life and spread the word among professionals about the Impact of early developmental trauma. The Foundation offers practical support to families parenting traumatised children.
Adoption Shared podcasts
Adoption Shared is a unique podcast produced by We Are Family in partnership with Adopt London.
In each episode, our host, Eddie Elliott, meets adopters and professionals who share their insights and experiences of the adoption journey from various perspectives, which inform, support and amplify the adopter’s voice and community. With over 10,000 downloads across the first three seasons, we are proud that these valuable conversations are impacting our members and the wider community.
Season 4 of the Adoption Shared podcasts focus on children with additional needs.
Episode 1
Host Eddie talks with Andrew in this episode, who candidly shares his family’s experience of adopting a child with additional needs. You can gain insights into the realities and hurdles families face navigating this unique journey. Listen to the Preparing for adopting a child with additional needs episode by clicking the link or by searching ‘Adoption Shared’ on your regular podcast platform.
Episode 2
In this episode, Eddie meets Esther who speaks about building resilient families and her journey with adoption. Esther also shares her work with the SEND Survival Guide and Emotional Freedom Tapping technique.
Episode 3
Stephen is a dedicated father and experienced educator, and he speaks with host Eddie to discuss the challenges and triumphs of advocating for children with special educational needs (SEN). From the intricacies of securing an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) to the conversations between mainstream versus special schooling, Stephen shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences as he navigates the education system.
Episode 4
Host Eddie Elliott is joined by Jessie, who shares her journey of adopting siblings with additional needs. Throughout the conversation, Jessie offers invaluable insights into the adoption process, preparation, and emotional aspects. With candid discussion of challenges faced, Jessie emphasises the crucial role of supportive professionals in navigating the adoption journey effectively.
Episode 5
Join host Eddie Elliott as he sits down with Lucy, a children’s nurse and researcher, to explore her journey of adopting twice with her wife. Lucy shares her valuable insights into the challenges and the existing inequities of healthcare access. Throughout the conversation, Lucy underscores the importance of post-adoption support, advocating for her children’s needs, and the significance of being heard within a broader support network. Additionally, Lucy sheds light on her doctoral study, which examines the experiences of lesbian parents accessing healthcare for their adopted children in England. You can also explore Lucy’s research further through her book, Courtney Goes to the Hospital: A Story of Two Mums and Their Children, available online.
Episode 6
Lisa joins Eddie to discuss her journey of adopting a child with a cleft lip and palate. Lisa talks about navigating the adoption process, advocating for support for her child, and the importance of building a safe, encouraging and supportive network.
Previous season
You’ll also find links to Season 3 of Adoption Shared. Hosted by Eddie Elliott, these episodes focus on Black Voices – sharing the joys and challenges of adoption in the Black community. Click to listen to Adoption Shared.
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