About the children

Robert has been adopted, this is his story:

Robert and Lillie have always lived together and are with the same foster carer now. They went between being cared for by their birth parents and great grandparents before moving to foster carers 18 months ago as their great grandparents did not feel able to care for the children in the longer term. Robert is very protective of his sister and aside from typical sibling falling outs they are very close. Megan was accommodated at birth and lives with a different foster family, but the children see each other once a fortnight. Robert and Lillie love to make Megan laugh, but Lillie needs to be reminded that Megan is not a doll! Megan lights up when she sees her big brother and sister and she loves to give them kisses.

The children’s birth parents have long-standing substance misuse difficulties, and all three children were exposed to drugs during the pregnancies. Megan spent her first month in hospital as she needed treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. The children all have good physical health and are meeting their milestones, but as for all children it is unclear if their exposure to substances will have any longer-term effects. Robert is in P1 and receives some extra support with reading, but he enjoys school. Robert has a mild visual impairment which requires six monthly check-ups, but it does not impact on his day-to-day life. Lillie is very active and doesn’t tend to sit still unless it’s a mealtime. She attends an early year’s centre which she enjoys. Lillie needs to be reminded about waiting her turn and not getting too close to others, but she has lots of friends and is well liked. Megan has a squint which requires her to wear glasses, although she does not like to keep them on! Megan was born with severe reflux, but it is hoped this will correct itself over time. Megan can be a picky eater. She has some words and knows the names of and sounds different animals make.

Robert is a fun-loving and caring boy who loves playing and watching football. Robert enjoys drawing and animals, and his favourite place to visit is the Zoo. Lillie is a little whirlwind of energy with a cheeky smile. Lillie loves rough and tumble play and her favourite activity is helping in the garden. Lillie enjoys playing in her Wendy house and chasing after the family dog. Megan is a busy toddler who is very quick on her feet! Megan loves Peppa Pig and playing with her toy cars.

It is hoped that the children will be able to be adopted together. The children need a robust family with a good support network who will be able to meet the individual needs of three children. The children have face-to-face contact with their great grandparents, and it is expected this will continue once or twice a year.