Tess (5) & Ally (3)

Tess and Ally are half siblings. Tess has a full sibling Andy, aged 7 years. They have always lived together until July 2010 when Andy was placed on his own, though having regular contact with Tess and Ally. The children need a white, British adoptive home that will embrace contact with their sibling. They have an older half brother who lives with his Maternal Grandparents, but direct contact with him is not planned.

Tess likes one to one attention and has started to enjoy looking at books with her carer. Tess has settled into her school and started to make new friends. With extra support she is progressing fairly well. To support her further she has recently been placed on a Independent Education Plan.

Tess enjoys playing with Barbie dolls rather than baby dolls. She likes pretend tea parties, dancing, riding her scooter, jig saws, colouring, going to the park and singing.  Tess enjoys going to her dance classes and has also just started to have ballet lessons. Tess is a very cute, pretty little girl with a strong personality.

Tess is having short term, direct work to help her understand her future plans.  

Ally is very loving and will seek cuddles, but can be jealous of other children getting physical one to one attention. He has become more vocal, and he understands everything that is said to him.

Ally has a cheeky personality using his charm to win over adults.

Ally enjoys music and dancing, colouring, Lego and playing with cars. He likes singing nursery rhymes and doing wooden jigsaws.

Ally is currently having play therapy to help manage his outbursts of temper tantrums.

Two parent family, experienced as parents or with experience of working with children with complex needs. No other children to be in placement.

Indirect with parent/s and older half sibling.

White British

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Andy (7)

Andy has a full sibling Tess aged 5 years and Ally aged 3 years who is a half sibling. They have always lived together until July 2010 when Andy was placed on his own, having regular contact with Tess and Ally (who also have a plan for adoption). Andy needs a white, British adoptive home that will embrace contact with his siblings. He has an older half brother who lives with his Maternal Grandparents, but direct contact with him is not planned.

Andy has become a lot more confident and vocal, although his understanding can be limited due to his learning needs, but if given broken down simple instructions he becomes very pleased with himself when he achieves.  Andy has a statement of special educational needs and currently receives 25 hours of support per week and attends mainstream school.

Andy would benefit from being the only child in the placement and parents who have some experience of developmental delay and behavioural issues.  Andy is very demanding of your time and will persistently ask questions.  He also likes to have everything done for him, despite having lots of self care skills.
Andy needs firm consistent boundaries and a very regular routine.

Andy’s daily clock can be governed by meal times often he can be heard asking ‘when is lunch?’ by 10am and will keep eating as long as the food is there.

He enjoys Lego, playing on the scooter, watching the Simpsons, going to the park and he has started to show an increased pleasure in looking at books.

Andy’s name is on a waiting list for play therapy.

Indirect with parent/s and older half sibling.

White British

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Adam (4 months)

Adam is a bright, easy to care for baby boy, who was relinquished at birth by his birth parents. They were clear that they could not cope with another child. He was taken into care immediately after birth and has been looked after by loving foster carers, where with a good routine he is settled and content. Adam’s 2 year old sister lives with her parents.

Adam is a lively baby who is thriving with his foster carers.

Adam has brown eyes and a cheeky smile. He has a small build.

Adam needs a two parent family who are able to accept and support his medical condition.

Adam is fit and healthy with no problems other than having the condition Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Most people with this condition never experience any health problems, leading normal and healthy lives with any symptoms being of a moderate nature.

Possible symptoms may include café au lait patches, lumps under the skin (tending to develop after puberty), freckles under the arm pits, growths around nerve ends and slight variations in the iris.
Children with NFI have intelligence levels that usually fall within the normal developmental ranges.

Adam will be regularly monitored and will need adopters who are prepared to ensure that the medical appointments and advice are followed through.

Adam enjoys the normal activities of an inquisitive 4 month old baby.

White British

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Penny (6), Ken (3) & Francis (11months)

Penny, Ken and Francis are delightful children who need to remain together. Their foster carer describes Penny and Ken as a joy to look after. Francis is placed separately.

Penny and Ken came into care in June 2008, due to unexplained injuries to Ken.

They have remained with the same foster carers since their initial reception into care. Francis was placed in care after his birth due the past concerns and has also remained with the same foster carers. The siblings have a good relationship with one another.

Penny likes being dressed in pretty dresses. Penny is considered slightly immature for her age. She loves school and is making progress and clearly thrives on the structured environment. Penny seemed to have had limited social skills when first placed in foster care and would be happy doing nothing, she would also become overtly distressed at any mishap or event. However, she has greatly benefited from the guidance and clear boundaries her placement has offered. Penny is an amenable child who enjoys being occupied.
Ken was unresponsive when he first came into care and became very distressed when handled. He has made significant progress over time and shows a healthy attachment to his carers. He is a delightful, happy boy who has the occasional tantrum, which is very typical of his age group. He has benefited from having clear routines and boundaries.

Francis is described as a contented healthy baby who is of normal development. He likes to observe his environment and loves being sung to or spoken to. He is currently bottle fed with formula milk.

Penny may need therapy in the future.

All the children are in good health.

Penny loves school. She likes most toys for her age group and particularly likes to get involved in craft projects. Penny likes the trampoline and running around in the garden with other children. She also enjoys her weekly attendance at a ballet class.
Ken is described as a proper boy who responds well to boundaries and limits, he has the occasional temper tantrum which is also typical of his age. His foster care states that “primarily Ken is a placid child who loves kisses and cuddles”. Ken likes a variety of toys, such as cars, wooden bricks, sit and ride toys. Ken loves being able to help his foster carer with his tools. He also likes his foster carers reading him nursery rhymes.

Francis likes watching his mobiles and loves the interaction with his siblings and adults who are familiar to him.

Letterbox contact twice yearly for birth parents. Letterbox contact once a year with grandparents.

White British

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Simon (5) and Carly (4)

Simon and Carly came into care in May 2009 as a result of their mother’s and stepfather’s drug use, chaotic lifestyle and incidents of domestic violence. Their father, with whom they had lived until October 2008, was also a drug user and there was domestic violence. Simon and Carly also suffered from unexplained injuries. Simon and Carly have been with the same foster carers since coming into care.

Simon is an appealing and active five year old who is very inquisitive. His development apart from his emotional development is within the normal range for his age. He is an affectionate boy who likes his cuddles. He can at times be aggressive to his sister though this behaviour, very evident on coming into care, has diminished. Simon started Infants School in September 2010. He has additional support during transition times which he finds difficult. His social skills continue to improve and he is now making some  friends. Simon can be easily upset and this results in tantrums. Work has been in place to help him manage his emotions and he can now name them and remove himself from the situation for some quiet time. Simon likes his routine and does not like change.
Carly is also an appealing and active child who like her brother is very inquisitive. Her development is in the normal range in all areas. Carly likes to be the centre of attention and is affectionately described by her foster carer as a bit of a drama queen. She too is an affectionate child and likes her cuddles. Carly at times finds it difficult to share and can be sulky if she does not get her own way.

Both children have made tremendous progress in their confidence and behaviour since coming into care and both now have a good sense of humour..

Carly and Simon need to be the only children in placement. They have until recently been receiving input from Portage Plus and Simon may need some play therapy in the future.

 Both Simon and Carly are in good health.

Simon loves to dress up as Spiderman and engage in imaginative play. He loves to play with his cars and to ride his bike. He also likes swimming. He loves to have stories read to him.
Carly also loves to dress up. She likes her princess and fairy outfits. Carly likes dancing and singing and goes to dance lessons. Carly likes to watch cartoons on DVD. She likes to ride her bike.

White British

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Lee (2)

Lee is a two and a half year old boy who has been with the same foster carer for most of his life. Lee has an older sister who has a plan for long term fostering. It is hoped they will have face-to-face contact in the future.

Lee is a child who often has a smile and is described by his foster carer as “a delightful, affectionate, busy little boy” and that “everyone in our family has found Lee to be a very rewarding child to care for”. However, Lee has experienced global developmental delay and can present some challenges. Lee enjoys the routine and firm boundaries of his foster placement where he can be helpful and relatively relaxed.
When Lee is in an unfamiliar environment he can become distressed and uncooperative. He has a short concentration span. Lee has formed attachments to his foster carers and their older children.

Lee had general delay but specifically delay in speech and language. He has been receiving support from the Speech and Language team and from Portage. Lee’s communication has been greatly enhanced by the use of Makaton, which in turn has led to an increased vocabulary of spoken communication. It is anticipated that Lee will require additional support at various points throughout his educational development

Lee enjoys good physical health. Lee was exposed to alcohol whilst his mother was pregnant. He does not display the entire picture of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome but his difficulties are described as Static Encephalopathy, alcohol exposed. He has also been identified with a diagnosis of Atypical Autism.

Lee enjoys physical activity and playing with his toys. He does not spend much time watching TV. Lee enjoys the company of adults and older children.

Two parent family, with no other children or only children considerably older than Lee.

White British

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Clare (6)

Clare is a six year old girl needing an adoptive family. Clare is the youngest of five siblings and will benefit from a placement where she is the only child, or other children are much older than her.  

Clare is a chatty little girl who likes to be given lots of attention, she can be an affectionate child who likes to hold hands and to have cuddles. Given Clare’s past experiences she can present with prolonged and intense temper tantrums when thwarted, though with some signs of recent improvement. Clare is strong willed.

Clare is a bright little girl and since being placed with her current carers she has made great progress with her behaviour and is able to identify right from wrong, this has also brought out her individual personality.  

Clare enjoys playing with other children, although she can become bossy when she doesn’t get her own way. Clare responds very positively to one to one attention and would benefit from being an only child or the youngest child within an adoptive family.

 Clare maintains good general health. Clare has experienced chronic neglect which has caused her to have rotten teeth, this damage is to her baby teeth only and it is not envisaged that she will have any long term dental ailments.   

Clare is now in a good routine and she sleeps well at night, she has been out of nappies since being removed from her birth family fourteen months ago, but still wears a nappy during the night. Since being in foster care Clare has developed appropriate self care skills. Clare eats well and knows that she has to eat vegetables which she does happily. Clare is a healthy little girl who is meeting all of her milestones appropriately.

Clare enjoys craft activities and making things. She has a good imagination and enjoys playing with dolls and having pretend picnics. Clare is proud to wear her jewellery and dressing up clothes and likes to have her hair put up. Clare started school in September 2009 and is getting on very well, her favourite activity is playing on the computers.

Two parent family with no other children or only children considerably older, than Clare, eg secondary school age. It would be of benefit if the family have previous child care experience.  

White British.

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Chris (3)

Chris is a delightful 3 year old boy who is in need of adoptive parents. He loves to play with cars and to run around in the garden. He also likes puzzles and his favourite toy is his train set.

Chris is tall for his age, which makes people think he’s a lot older than he is, but don’t be deceived, he is still a young child, who loves to be cuddled and cared for!

Chris was removed from his parents care when he was 9 months old following on-going concerns regarding neglect and domestic violence in the home environment. Home was chaotic for Chris, and although he copes better now, he still gets worried when he is in noisy or chaotic situations. Chris needs parents who will be able to keep him safe and secure throughout his childhood. He needs to be placed a long way from Hampshire’s borders and he needs parents who won’t put pictures of him up on social networking sites.

Chris was cared for by a single female carer until April 2010 when he changed placements. Chris managed this change well and seemed to thrive having 2 carers. He eats well but like most toddlers he has firm favourites and tends to like having food that you don’t have to chew too much.

Chris sleeps well, usually from about 7pm through until 7am in the morning. Chris is healthy and active. He enjoys going to a parent/toddler group and socialising with his foster carers grandchildren.

He has recently started pre school where he enjoys some of the activities but does not like to be told to tidy things away when it is time to finish!

As Chris was showing signs of speech delay, he was assessed by a consultant paediatrician who suggested he had a pattern of mild delay, mostly in speech and language. It was also suggested that Chris had mild dysmorphic features but a chromosome study showed no evidence of genetic abnormality. Recently, a further assessment was undertaken which states that Chris has no specific developmental delays, although he is going to be seen by a speech and language therapist to clarify if he needs any support.

In his foster placement, Chris is putting words together well and has become very chatty. Chris can be very stubborn as he wants to do what he chooses to do and will sulk if he cannot get his own way. However, Chris is a gorgeous little boy who is waiting to make his new parents exceptionally happy!

White British

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Aafia (5) and Naeema (3)

Aafia and Naeema were initially in the care of their mother and father until August 2009. Both girls were placed with Hampshire County Council foster carers due to historical factors regarding domestic violence between their birth parents and extended family. They have remained with the same foster carers since being placed in care.

Aafia and Naeema’s mother was born and bought up in the UK, of Pakistani parents. Their father was born and bought up in Pakistan and arrived in the UK after marriage to Aafia and Naeema’s mother. Aafia and Naeema’s mother’s first language is English, their father’s first language is Urdu. Aafia and Naeema speak English in their current foster placement. Both birth parents wish for the girls to be bought up practicing their Muslim faith. Aafia and Naeema eat Halal food.
Aafia and Naeema need an adoptive family where they will be loved and cherished throughout their life.

Aafia presents as a lovely little girl, always smiling and very helpful. Aafia and her sister play well together and appear to have a positive, secure attachment to each other. They have the odd sibling rivalry, expected of a sibling group of their ages. Aafia loves to play with other children and has lots of friends at school. Aafia will try to test the boundaries at times and will sulk and pretend not to hear you. However, most of the time she will do what is asked of her straight a way. Aafia can be independent and likes to do things for herself if she can.

Naeema presents as a lovely, friendly little girl and enjoys her cuddles. She loves to play with adults, other children and her sister. Naeema does have the occasional temper tantrum usual for her age. Naeema shares her toys well and likes pretend play. Naeema like her sister, tries to be quite independent in the foster carers home. She likes to do things herself. Naeema can be quite bossy with her sister and other children.

Aafia and Naeema need adoptive parents who are able to provide the security and stability they need. Adopters will need to be able to meet or promote the girls cultural needs. It is clear that Aafia and Naeema feel safe when with their foster carers who provide stability, security, affection and a predictable routine.

Aafia and Naeema have no general health concerns. They both eat very well, being provided with food that meets their faith needs.

Aafia can sit at activities such as craft and drawing for long periods of time. She especially likes watching children’s television, which has to be monitored as she would sit in front of it all day given the opportunity.

Naeema likes to go out in the car, in the garden, playing in the park, going to the parent/toddler group and swimming once a week. Naeema, like her sister, can sit at activities such as craft and drawing for long periods of time. However, she does not like doing puzzles. She likes watching children’s television but would walk off after five minutes to go and play.

Aafia and Naeema require an energetic family who are able to provide a safe and secure environment throughout their childhoods. One or both of the adoptive parents needs to be of Pakistani origin and practice their Muslim faith or to promote these, to meet the girls cultural needs.

Asian/British/Pakistani

Muslim

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James (2)

James is a delightfully busy toddler boy who loves life and likes to be busy. James needs an adoptive family who are able to help him maintain an active life, whilst understanding he has significant health needs which require daily medication including nebulisers and physiotherapy to help him keep his lungs healthy.

James is a curious little boy who likes to explore his world and is growing in confidence. He likes active play and enjoys visits to soft play areas when he is well.

James has Cystic Fibrosis and because of this he has times when he is not well.
He is then much quieter and prefers home based activities, watching toddler DVD’s like Thomas the Tank Engine and programs on the CBeebies channel.

James is living with foster carers who have their own children of a similar age in the home. James is able to play with them and along side them. He enjoys the company of other children and will watch them play when he is poorly.

James is unable to live with his birth mother because of her own mental health needs. James has a very positive relationship with his mother and the Local Authority is seeking adopters who would continue direct contact. James’s mother understands that an adoption placement is necessary for James and she has shown that she is able to work very positively with James’s foster carers, enabling James to feel secure in their care and still maintaining a meaningful relationship with her.

James has Cystic Fibrosis. He has daily medication, which help keep his lungs healthy. He also requires physiotherapy to help him clear any mucus from his lungs.
James has medicines to take with meals which help his body absorb as much nutrition from his food as possible.
When James is poorly, he is admitted to hospital for extra medication and observation.
James attends a clinic at the local hospital on a monthly basis for a check up.
James was born with Talipes (Club Foot), he wears a brace on his foot at night and this condition has improved greatly. He has supportive footwear that has been provided by the NHS and attends the regional orthotics department. James was late to walk because of this but he can now walk, run, climb and get just about anywhere independently.

James enjoys running about, playing Catch-me-if-you-can, art and craft, water play and the usual toddler toys and play.
He likes to be in the thick of family activities and is learning to take turns and share with the other children he lives with. James is a delightful little boy with a fantastic sense of humour, who is a joy to spend time with and can light up a room with his smile.

One or two parent family, where one parent will be able to remain at home with James and who can drive so as to attend regular medical appointments.

White British

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John (3)

John is a delightful three year old who was removed from his parents’ care at five months of age due to neglect. John’s birth mother has learning difficulties and birth father has alcohol related mental health problems. John enjoys living in his foster family where there are other children. John is a sociable little boy who is used to a busy household.

John is shy, cheeky and mischievous all rolled into one. He loves attention and will be responsive once he trusts a new adult. Like most toddlers John will push the boundaries and will have temper tantrums when he can’t have what he wants. John enjoys cuddles and is a loving little boy.

John is a normal toddler with respect to his height and weight. John has big blue eyes and almost white blond hair. John has an haemangioma on the left side of his head partially covering his ear. This has shrunk down over recent months and is not as noticeable as it was when John was younger.

John has some developmental delay. He was slow to walk but is now walking although he is still not walking confidently. He is delayed in expressive language although is beginning to say some words and will also sign. There may be some delay in some of his understanding and the extent of any learning difficulties is not yet known. John’s haemangioma is monitored yearly by Great Ormond Street Hospital.  He may require some surgery when he is older. John has had mild asthma in the past but has not needed his inhaler recently. John has some eye problems and has been prescribed glasses.

John is like most toddlers, always on the go and getting into everything. He enjoys playing with other children, and has recently started at pre-school.

John needs a loving and caring two parent  family, who is able to manage a child who has experienced separation and loss and who may have some learning difficulties. John needs ideally to be placed in a family where there are children as John is used to living in a family with children.

White British

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