April

April is a solo adopter from Liverpool

Adoption was always part of April’s plan – something she dreamed of since childhood. Having grown up in a challenging environment and seen her sister’s children raised in permanent foster care, she knew she wanted to offer a child the kind of love, stability, and joy she had longed for herself.

But it took a while for April to reach out to an adoption agency, mainly over fears her circumstances – being a single queer woman and living in a small home. Instead, everything she thought might be a barrier turned out to be a strength.

With the support of close friends and her trusted social worker at Adoption Matters, April was matched with Alexander (aged 17 months at the time) soon after being approved at adoption panel. After a short fostering period to ensure familiarity and comfort, Alexander officially came home – and life hasn’t been the same since.

“I used to think I had to wait to for the perfect time, the perfect house, the perfect setup – but the truth is, love doesn’t wait. Alexander came into my life and filled it with colour, chaos, and more joy than I’d ever imagined. Whether we’re painting at the dining table or playing in Alexander’s miniature kitchen café, it’s the everyday moments that remind me we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.” – April

Living as a family for just over 16 months now, their home is a vibrant, creative space filled with laughter, colour, and connection. The dining kitchen acts as a multi-purpose space in their home – whether its painting or eating, it’s a place where memories of a lifetime are made.

Alexander’s miniature play kitchen, tucked beside the real one, is where he proudly puts on his apron and chef’s hat to help prepare meals, sprinkle toppings, and play “café” with his mum. It’s become a joyful ritual that celebrates their shared love of food.

On the fridge, a photo titled “coming home with mama” sits proudly alongside polaroid-style prints of family visits and cards from aunties and uncles – reminders of the love that surrounds them.

Each picture tells a story, and Alexander knows them all by heart. Whether it’s the pink bucket he wore on his head pretending to be Pudsey Bear, or the tofu box robot costume they made together, their fridge is a scrapbook of everyday magic – proof that love, not perfection, is what makes a family home.

The picture below holds such a special memory as April says “I took it on a day out to celebrate our one whole year of living together”.

April adopted with Adoption Matters, do you want to find out more about our process and support? Download one of our adoption information packs.