About the children

Melissa has been adopted, this is her story:

Melissa’s birth mother was known to have consumed considerable amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. The long-term effects of this, if any, may not present until Melissa is older. Melissa has always had good physical health and is meeting her milestones currently. Melissa eats well and sleeps well although is an early riser and is awake before 6am. Melissa is very active and always on the go – this may be an indication that she might struggle with hyperactivity and attention span as she gets older, but it is too early for assessment. Melissa can be quite easily distracted so needs clear instructions when carrying out tasks, and sometimes needs reminded of what she is meant to be doing.  Melissa’s foster carers do not feel her behaviour is out with the normal range for a child of her age. Melissa does not have any face-to-face contact with her birth family – Melissa’s birth father has a long history of offending and is currently in prison, and her birth mother was not able to maintain regular contact.

Melissa is a lively, energetic little girl who is always keen to explore and have adventures. Melissa loves playing in the park and trips to soft play and enjoys being out in the garden making mud pies in her mud kitchen no matter the weather! Melissa wakes up in the morning with a big smile on her face and is a generally happy girl with a sunny personality. Melissa is a petite child who has a big presence – her foster carer describes her as being a little chatterbox who always has stories to tell. Melissa has lovely relationships with her foster carers and their family and has been with them for nearly two years. She plays well with the other children in the household and is very attached to the family pet rabbits. Melissa attends nursery four mornings a week – Melissa enjoys nursery and has lots of friends.

Melissa needs a parent(s) who have an active lifestyle and who can understand and accept the possible impact exposure to alcohol may have on Melissa in the longer term.