Many topics come up on a first date, such as films and music; however, for Rachel and Dave – aged 18 and 20, back in 2015 – there was one perhaps surprising theme; adopting.

That thought stayed with them over the following decade, temporarily paused while they saved to buy a house and fulfilled their travel bug, but always there.

Then, on 21 February 2025, a date etched in their memories forever, they carried Posy through the front door and into their West Oxfordshire home. The dream was finally achieved, they had officially adopted a child.

The couple are sharing their story to encourage others to consider adopting.

Rachel: “Posy is the light of our life. This beautiful two-year-old adopted daughter has filled a spot in our hearts that we didn’t know existed, a perfect family fit. Smiley, confident, bubbly and definitely mischievous, always with a twinkle in her eye.”

Early permanence adoption

Rachel: “Posy became part of our life through the early permanence adoption programme, which gives babies and young children the opportunity to move in with a stable family at the earliest possible stage, reducing the number of moves between homes they might otherwise experience.

“Approved adopters initially look after a specific child as foster carers and then, if the court approves the adoption plan, they can adopt the child themselves.”

The most beautiful gift

Rachel: “Early permanence has given us the most beautiful gift; we've bonded with Posy in a way we never thought possible, and in such a short space of time.

“We took each day as it came, loved being foster carers but also longing for the moment we could officially and permanently become mum and dad, and we quickly reached that magical moment… Posy is now our adopted daughter.”

Passion for Formula One… and baking

Dave: “Posy wants to copy mum and dad and even at the age of two shares my passion for Formula One.

“I switch to children’s TV channels for Posy; however, her protests force my hand on race day if she realises I’d been watching F1. Thank you, an extra unexpected gift through adoption, a daughter who like me is a petrol head.

“Rachel doesn’t lose out through, Posy feels equally comfortable in the kitchen, helping mum bake cakes, chocolate chip cookies being her favourite both in preparation and consumption. Our toddler has a sweet tooth.”

The joys of watching Posy grow

Rachel: “Early permanence adoption also means we are able to experience the joys of watching Posy grow from being a baby. We remember fondly her first word “doggy” – a reference to Winston, our pet cockapoo – along with the boundless energy Posy displays running around the garden, normally only pausing when distracted by fish in the pond.”

Don’t be put off by preparatory paperwork

Rachel: “The lead up to adopting involves a lot of paperwork and checks by Adopt Thames Valley, you’d expect that; however, their team was so supportive in guiding us through the process, and continues to be there when needed.

“Dave and I would go through the same process again in a heartbeat, because the joy at the end of it is almost indescribable; knowing Posy is permanently part of our family and that we’ll have that fulfilling role as mum and dad in helping her reach for the sky and achieve her dreams.”

Learning more

Adopt Thames Valley, the regional adoption agency hosted by Oxfordshire County Council, is urgently seeking more adopters like Rachel and Dave.

Adoption isn't about being perfect or extravagant milestones; it’s providing a warm and loving home. Being there for a child during ordinary, everyday routines like nursery, family meals, bedtime chats and – just like Rachel and Dave in years to come – the school run and eventually preparing for adulthood.

For any child who has experienced early upheaval or temporary care, these simple daily moments mean everything.”

Residents from all backgrounds who want to find out more about becoming an adopter can call 0800 731 0171for an initial, no obligation conversation or visit Adopt Thames Valley’s website.