Kōrero: Adoption

It has often been difficult to find adoptive parents for children with physical or intellectual disabilities. Wainuiomata child Michael Bridgeman – seen here in 1988 with his adoptive parents Kevin and Jan Bridgeman – was an exception. Michael, who had Down syndrome, was adopted by the Bridgemans in 1984, joining their family of seven children and stepchildren. This busy family atmosphere, combined with the parents' experience caring for foster children, helped Michael to settle in quickly.