Final appeal to find home for ‘beautiful, inquisitive’ two-year-old before she is placed in permanent care

Charity ‘Families for Children’ have appealed to the British public for prospective adoptive families to consider adopting a two-year-old girl currently in its care.

Olivia is described by her support service as ''beautiful, inquisitive'' who has been in care her entire life. The Devon-based adoption agency, which seeks to find families in the South-West, say this is the last chance for her to be adopted.

She currently lives with a foster family, where she has thrived and is a “real people person” who enjoys music, toys, bright colours and pushing her dolls in their pram.

Olivia has complex needs, the extent of which prevented her birth family from caring for her. She was born with an array of complex health needs including a duplication of one of her chromosomes.

‘A long and so far, fruitless search for an adoptive family’

As Olivia grows, her disabilities will also develop and could require further additional support.

Olivia’s significant health needs include being born with a cleft lip and palate, meaning she cannot consume anything orally and her tummy has been tied so she can't be sick.

She therefore creates excessive saliva which can cause breathing difficulties and all Olivia’s food and medicine is given to her directly through her stomach. Olivia also has cervical spine abnormalities, as well as a ‘double thumb’ which might need surgery in the future.

In spite of this, she is described by her social workers as having a “cheeky personality” and “a smiley face”.

A spokesperson for Families For Children said: "As summer approaches and the end of lock down is in sight most families are looking forward to enjoying time with friends and having some well-earned family fun, but for Olivia the next few months will mark the end to a long and so far, fruitless search for an adoptive family.

‘Happy and content’

"The nature of Olivia’s disabilities means she will need help and support from her family and health professionals throughout her life but this doesn’t prevent her from being a happy and contented child.

"After searches to find a suitable family by the Local Authority where she is cared for have so far been unsuccessful, they have asked Family for Me to step in and help.

"The project is the last chance for Olivia to find her forever family before alternative plans are put in place for her care."

Her social worker added that if she is not allocated a forever family, services will need to consider “alternative options”.

The Family for Me project is currently searching for adoptive families for 5 children and are looking across the UK.

If anyone would like to discuss the possibility of being considered adoptive parents for Olivia they are urging you to come forward and call them on 01364 400064.

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