During National Adoption Week, adopters are being encouraged to consider siblings

"IT WOULD have destroyed the girls had they been separated, as they have such a strong bong. We knew it was the right decision to adopt them together.

"They look out for each other and play nicely together – most of the time! Of course, there is sometimes sibling squabbling but no more than when we were children."

These are the words of Sarah from Hampshire, who, along with her husband Rob, adopted sisters Molly, five, and Grace, four, through Hampshire County Council's adoption service last year.

Across Hampshire, there are sibling groups of two or more brothers and sisters who are in need of a new family to give them a forever home. Wherever possible, these siblings are kept together for adoption. The strong bonds between siblings can help them settle into their new family and support their emotional well being as they adjust to their new family.

Sarah and Rob both have siblings and when they made the decision to adopt, were drawn to the idea of adopting siblings.

"We felt that if we adopted siblings, they would have each other for support and shared experiences," Sarah explains.

"We heard about Molly and Grace through the County Council's adoption service. They are full birth siblings, and very close.

"The more we heard about the girls, the more we liked, and we knew that we would all make a happy and loving family."

The family were supported by social workers throughout the adoption process, and still have support available, which has proved very helpful.

"Although they are well settled with us now, the girls still sometimes show the effects of their early trauma and becoming a family hasn't been without challenges," adds Sarah.

"Having time to allow the girls to settle in has been important. I took a year off work and now work part time, and we also get help from friends and family, which makes a difference."

Sarah would encourage anyone wanting to adopt more than one child to adopt siblings.

"Our life has changed in so many way since adopting the girls. We still do a lot of things that we've always done, like walking, swimming, cycling and going on holiday, but the girls come too.

"The house is noisier, but all in a good way.

"The best thing is just being a family, having lots of cuddles, receiving their love and giving it back. We feel complete."

Jon and his partner, who have adopted a brother and sister through Hampshire County Council, are also keen to encourage others to adopt siblings.

"If you're going to adopt, adopt siblings!" says Jon.

"Two kids are not double the work. In many ways, it's easier than one. They help one another and can help you.

"It puzzles me why a couple should only adopt one child. There are so many positives to adopting children from the same family.

"They have a shared history, and they look after one another for a start."

Jon and his partner adopted a brother and sister who were both under three at the time, and are very close.

"Together they learn to share, negotiate, better learn the rules of play, develop empathy and consideration for others," he says.

"Of course, growing up with a sibling in the family, they will always have a brother or sister to look out for them."

Jon has found the help and guidance offered by the council's adoption team hugely beneficial.

"They have helped us in just about every way," he says.

"They trained us, pointed us to useful reading material, provided phone support and access to child psychiatric services, should we need it.

"In the first few weeks that we had the children, we had social workers here every week. Although it was a bit awkward at times, it was good to know that they were available to actually see how things were progressing and advise as required.

"The transitioned helped us soften the impact. The house was probably more battened down than for most expecting families, thanks to the training from the adoption team about what to expect.

"We quickly learnt to choose our battles, few of them really matter.

"Being a family is the best thing. It is fun, loving fun. We want love and laughter, that is all."

Louise and her husband also adopted siblings through Hampshire County Council's adoption service.

"We chose to adopt Emma and Jason, who were two and three, because we wanted to keep a sibling group together and we knew that we wanted an 'instant' family," she says.

"My best tips for any new adopters are to be gentle on yourself, be curious and to stock up on plenty of wet wipes and flannels!

"But I definitely recommend adopting siblings.

"For us, I don't think there have been any special challenges with suddenly doubling our household," she adds.

"It has been a bit tricky at times, when both children are having 'moments,' but we get through it.

"For the children, there is a strong bond between the two. They play a lot together and are the best of friends (and sometimes the best of enemies).

"They show us the world through a new perspective.

"For me, the best things are holding hands, getting hugs and hearing the words 'I love you Mummy'."

Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Keith Mans, says: “National Adoption Week highlights the continual need for adopters and celebrates the success of adoptive families throughout the country.

"In Hampshire we are especially proud of those adopters who make that extra commitment to become parents to sibling groups.

“All children deserve to be brought up in a loving and safe home, and when that stability breaks down with their birth parents, it is vital that we find people to love and care for them for the rest of their lives.

"Maintaining the strong sibling bond provides children with a source of mutual support, friendship and affection. It gives them a sense of identity and belonging, crucial whilst growing up and into adulthood.”

* Adopters must be at least 21 years old, have a spare room and some child care experience. Hampshire County Council is looking for adopters who can care for all ages of children, but especially for sibling groups and children with disabilities. Potential adopters have access to Hampshire’s excellent in-house adoption support team and additional support packages may also be available.