Two homes, one message: Rainbow families built through adoption

Hear these powerful stories from Amanda and April 

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For Amanda and April, adoption wasn’t just a choice – it was a calling. As single women, they each opened their hearts and homes to children who needed them most. Their stories, though unique, share a powerful truth: love doesn’t wait for perfection – it grows in the everyday moments that make a house a home.

Amanda’s story: From “just a few weeks” to forever

I became a mum back in 2013 when I welcomed little Andraya into my home as an emergency foster placement. She was two, full of beans, and it was supposed to be a couple of weeks, tops. Aye, right! From day one, it just felt right. She slotted in like she’d always been here – and that bond? It got stronger every single day.

Fast forward, she’s 17 now – confident, bubbly, and proud of her Filipino-Scottish roots. I’ve always made sure she knows where she comes from. We’ve cooked traditional dishes together, and last year we went to the Philippines to meet her cousins for the first time. Watching her connect with that side of her family was magic. Those ties didn’t stop when we came home either – we’re always swapping stories and photos. It’s like our family stretches across continents now.

Then in 2016, along came Isaac – 19 months old, of Congolese-Welsh heritage, and a proper little tornado. Honestly, he’s a force of nature. He’s taught me more about patience and love than I ever thought possible. And we belly laugh daily. My house – once filled with the laughter, noise and bustle of my dad and brothers – is chaos again, but the best kind. It’s not about having the biggest or fanciest place; it’s about the memories you make inside.

One of our little traditions? Baking red velvet cupcakes. It started with Andraya, and now Isaac’s in on it too – usually stirring with one hand and nicking icing with the other. We always use my grandmother’s old spoon – it’s nothing fancy, just worn smooth from years of love and batter. It’s daft, it’s messy, and it’s ours. Those moments remind me what it’s all about: love built in the everyday.

April’s story: “Love doesn’t wait for perfect”

I always knew I wanted to adopt. I’d dreamt of it since I was little. Growing up wasn’t easy, and seeing my sister’s kids in permanent foster care made me determined to give a child the love and stability I’d longed for myself. But I’ll be honest – I put it off for years. I thought being single, LGBTQIA+, and living in a small house would count against me. Turns out, everything I thought was a barrier was actually a strength.

With the support of my friends and an amazing social worker, I was matched with Alexander – 17 months old at the time. After a short fostering period, he came home for good. Sixteen months on, our house is full of colour, laughter, and a fair bit of chaos. The dining room’s our everything space – painting, eating, playing café. Alexander’s got his own little play kitchen next to mine. He puts on his apron and chef’s hat, and we “cook” together. It’s become our thing.

On the fridge, there’s a photo called “coming home with mama” – right next to polaroids, cards from aunties and uncles, and all the little moments that make up our life. Alexander knows every story: the pink bucket he wore pretending to be Pudsey Bear, the tofu box robot costume we made. Our fridge is basically a scrapbook of everyday magic. Proof that love – not perfection – is what makes a family.

Amanda and April are supporting You Can Adopt’s A Welcome Home campaign, which celebrates the diversity of families and homes. It’s a powerful reminder that children in need of adoption aren’t looking for perfection – what matters most is a stable, loving, and welcoming place to belong.

Thinking about adoption? You don’t have to decide anything now – just take the first step. Visit YouCanAdopt.co.uk to learn more and connect with your local agency for a friendly chat.

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