Community emphasises the importance of human connection. It’s where we find belonging, support, and a sense of shared purpose. Whether it’s our family, friends, neighbours, or broader social circles, the communities we belong to help shape our lives. They provide us with a network of relationships that offer emotional support, practical help, and a sense of identity. The influence of community becomes even more significant in the context of adoption. Adoption is a journey that not only transforms the lives of the parents and child involved but also weaves together a new network of connections. The community that forms around adoption is essential for fostering a sense of belonging, for both the adoptive parents and children.
At its core, community is about connection. It’s where we find people who understand us, who share our experiences, and who stand by us through life’s challenges and joys. For adoptive families, this sense of connection is crucial. The journey to adoption can be filled with uncertainty, emotional highs and lows, and a myriad of questions. Having a community that understands and supports you can make all the difference.
When we talk about community in adoption, we’re referring to the people who become part of the adoptive family’s journey, such as the adoption agencies, the social workers, the other adoptive families who share their experiences, and the friends and family who offer their support. This community helps adoptive parents navigate the complexities of the adoption process and beyond.
The journey of adoption creates a new sense of community. The bonds formed through the adoption process are unique and deeply meaningful, extending beyond the immediate family to include a wider network of relationships. For the adoptive parents, the community they build through adoption is a lifeline. It connects them with others who have walked a similar path, offering a space to share experiences, seek advice, and find encouragement. This community helps normalise the adoption experience, providing reassurance that they are not alone in their journey. Adoptive families often form lifelong connections with other adoptive families, creating a network of support that extends into the child’s life as they grow. These connections offer a sense of shared experience and understanding that is invaluable, especially when facing the challenges and questions that can arise as the child begins to explore their identity and history.
For adopted children, the community that surrounds them plays a critical role in their development and well-being. This community helps them feel accepted and valued. Adopted children often face unique challenges as they navigate their identities, especially when it comes to understanding their adoption story and, in some cases, their cultural heritage. A supportive community that embraces openness and understanding can make a significant difference in how a child experiences and internalises these challenges. In a community that values openness, adopted children can ask questions, express their feelings, and explore their identities without fear of judgement. This environment helps to reduce stigma and fosters a sense of pride and belonging, which is essential for their emotional and psychological development.
Community map
A community that embraces openness supports adoptive parents in raising their children with confidence and integrity. It provides a safe space for parents to seek advice, share experiences, and navigate the complexities of adoption without feeling isolated or judged. For adopted children, this openness is equally important. It allows them to grow up with a clear and honest understanding of their adoption story, helping them to form a strong, positive identity.
Building a sense of community takes effort, and sometimes it can feel challenging. One way to strengthen your connection is through a simple activity we recommend: creating a community map. Take a moment to reflect on all the people, groups, and organisations that have supported you on your adoption journey. Write down those who were there from the beginning—family, social workers, or close friends—and then add those you’ve met along the way, such as other adoptive families or support groups.
As you build this map, consider reaching out to someone on your list. A simple message or meeting up can help renew that sense of belonging and connection, reinforcing your support network. This act of reconnecting serves as a reminder that even when the journey feels lonely, you are part of a larger community that shares in both the challenges and joys of adoption.
From us to you
Here at Walk Together, we wish to provide you with a community that embraces you with open arms. Our community would not be possible without the wonderful individuals connected to adoption. No matter your story, we have space for you here, and we hope you can find a sense of belonging amongst us all.
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