Towards the end of last year, CASPA's Permanency Support Program team was on hand to witness a new milestone: our first adoption formalized for one of our carer families. Ben* was just an infant when he was placed with Tania and Evan, two amazing long-time CASPA carers.
Family restoration is always a priority for the children in out-of-home care that CASPA supports. However, when restoration isn't possible, other permanency options are explored, including the formation of Forever Families through the adoption process. For Ben, as options were explored, adoption became a consideration.
Adoption can be a challenging process, and Tania, Evan, and Ben were all supported by the CASPA Permanency Support team, adoption consultants Di Edwards and Sarah Armstrong, and the adoption team from the Department of Communities and Justice. This was the first successful adoption for CASPA's Permanency Support Program, and we were able to assist Ben in going from out-of-home care to being legally recognized as part of a beautiful forever family with Tania and Evan.
With the adoption process finalized, what was next for this happy trio? Celebrating the milestone and enjoying their first Christmas as a Forever Family together, of course.
If you would like to know more about becoming a carer, please register for our Shared Lives Online Information sessions here.
*Names changed to protect privacy.