We are excited to announce that the Blood family has won third place in our 2024 This is Belonging photo contest!
Tell us about your family’s story. What made you decide that permanency was right for you?
Our daughter is the child of a relative who joined our family in March 2020 (at age five) through permanency. We also have two biological sons who are both younger than her.
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with the permanency process overall?
Overall, the permanency process has been stressful. We were surprised by the necessity to grow our family through permanency, and had not planned to have three children. Parenting a child with complex trauma and learning disabilities has been challenging.
What is one piece of advice you would give to those considering adoption or permanency, or are just starting their journey?
My advice is to build a strong support network of professionals, family, and friends, including other adoptive and permanency families.
Can you tell us about one rewarding and one challenging point in your permanency experience?
Our daughter is Indigenous, and it has been rewarding to participate in Indigenous cultural events with her. One challenging moment happened a year ago when her biological mother died from an accidental drug overdose.
How has the Belonging Network made a difference to your family?
Belonging to a community of adoptive and permanency families has made a difference. The resources and education, including Trauma Informed Parenting, have been especially helpful.
What is one thing about adoption and permanency that you wish people knew?
I wish people knew that some families feel a sense of responsibility to raise the child of a relative, and that “congratulations” may not always be appropriate.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Despite the challenges, I know that our daughter belongs in our family and that she is exactly where she is meant to be.
