Matthew and Jack adopted two children, a brother and a sister. 

Here Matthew talks about their adoption journey…

“When we started thinking about adoption, we had a clear idea of what we wanted, a loving family with siblings who could grow up together. But to be honest, we had no idea where to start! We had a lot of questions and a few nerves, but speaking to friends who had adopted gave us the encouragement we needed to take that first step.

From the moment we contacted our adoption agency, we felt like we were in the right place. They didn’t just give us information; they made us feel welcome, included, and reassured that we were in control of our own journey.

We always felt like they had our best interests at heart. We never felt like we were just part of a process—we were always part of the conversation.”

As a same-sex couple, we weren’t sure what to expect. Would we be treated differently? Would we have to justify ourselves? But from the very first conversation with our agency, we felt nothing but warmth and inclusion. No awkward questions, no judgment, just a team of people who genuinely cared about helping us become parents.

Throughout the process, we met other LGBTQ+ adopters who had the same positive experiences. That really reinforced how committed the agency is to diversity and inclusivity. We never once felt like we had to ‘prove’ ourselves or fit into a certain mould.

From the start, we knew we wanted to adopt brothers and sisters. We both grew up with siblings and couldn’t imagine life without them. That bond, the shared memories, the unconditional support, is something we really wanted for our children.

When you grow up with a sibling, you just get each other in a way no one else does. We wanted our children to have that same connection.

Seeing our children maintain relationships with their older siblings has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. It was never even a question for us, we knew it was the right choice.

Our agency made sure we were fully prepared for everything adoption brings, the excitement, the challenges, and the unexpected moments. The training sessions weren’t just about learning; they were real conversations about what it’s like to parent children who have been through tough times.

You think it’s going to be a straightforward journey, but there are ups and downs. Our agency was there for us every step of the way, answering every question and reassuring us when we needed it.

Having access to support groups, therapy sessions, and experienced adoptive parents made such a difference. We never felt like we were doing this alone.

Like any parents, we have our challenges. The biggest one has been establishing a routine that worked for everyone. At first, life felt a little chaotic, balancing individual attention for each child, setting up bedtime routines, and making sure we were meeting their emotional needs.

There were moments when we second-guessed ourselves. Are we doing this right? Are they settling in okay? But the truth is, you figure it out as you go, and our agency was always there when we needed advice.”

We also had to adjust to a new sense of identity. Becoming parents changes you, you put so much into your children that it’s easy to lose yourself for a little while. But over time, we found a balance and we’ve grown together as partners and as a family.

For all the challenges, nothing compares to the joy of seeing our children flourish. Watching them grow, laugh together, and feel safe enough to just be children, it’s everything we hoped for and more.

The most magical part of this journey is seeing our children form that unbreakable brother/sister bond. They have each other, and they always will. That’s the best feeling in the world.

If you’re considering adoption, especially adopting siblings, here’s what we’d say: You only regret the things you don’t do. We could have sat here today wondering ‘what if?’ But instead, we made a call, attended an online information session, and took that first step. And it was the best decision we’ve ever made.

Adoption isn’t always easy, but with the right support, it’s the most rewarding journey you’ll ever take. Our agency gave us the guidance, encouragement, and confidence we needed to become parents. And for that, we’ll always be grateful.