From the very beginning of their relationship, Craig and Daniel knew they wanted to become parents one day. But before taking the leap, they made sure their home was ready and that they were in the best place emotionally and practically to give everything to the journey ahead.
Here they talk about their journey…
We were a bit nervous about how we’d be seen as a gay couple,
Craig admitted. “But the moment we met our social worker, those fears disappeared. She made us feel completely accepted and understood from day one.
Over time, their relationship with their social worker grew into something more than professional. “We ended up becoming good friends — it was such a safe, open process,” said Daniel. “The sessions went deep into our pasts and values. We talked about things we hadn’t really spoken about before. Honestly, it felt like free therapy — in the best way.”
Choosing Early Permanence
Craig and Daniel chose to follow the Early Permanence, also known as Foster for Adoption (FFA). This is a pathway where prospective adopters begin as foster carers, allowing babies or very young children to be placed earlier in their lives. “It’s a route everyone is encouraged to consider, but it does come with risks. Still, we knew it was right for us.”
Their daughter came to live with them at just nine weeks old.
“She was classed as a looked-after child, so we had daily logs to complete and fulfilled all the roles of a foster carer. But from the moment we saw her profile, we just knew she was meant to be our daughter”
Becoming a family
“The matching panel came quickly after, and before we had time to fully take it in, she was home. It all happened fast, but it felt completely right.” says Craig.
Those first few months were quiet and tender — mostly spent feeding, napping, and changing nappies. “Because she was so young, we couldn’t really do much, but it gave us time to settle and adjust,” Daniel said. “Bonding took a little longer than we expected, which can be hard to admit. But there was a moment, when she went to get her jabs, and she reached out to us for comfort — it was then we realised… she trusted us. That was the turning point.”
One of their most treasured memories was the day they got married. “She was there with us, right in the heart of it. Honestly, she stole the show — and we wouldn’t have had it any other way. That was the moment it really hit us: we were a family.”
Family continues to be at the core of everything they do. “Having our parents involved, going on days out together — our support network means everything to us,” said Craig. “They’ve been there through it all, and that kind of emotional and practical support is so important.”
Today, their daughter is growing fast. “She’s started saying ‘Daddy’ now — and every time she says it, it just melts us. We can’t imagine life without her.”
“We left our old lives behind to build a new one. Becoming parents has been the most rewarding, transformative experience — and we wouldn’t change a single thing.”
Find out more
If you’re thinking about adopting and want to find out more, contact your local adoption agency.
Adoption North West 