Adopt South, the Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton is looking to find a family life for a beautiful little girl with a big, bright smile and a lovely, happy personality.

Ava is 14 months old and has only recently started nursery where she enjoys being with other children her age, listening at music time, or playing with lots of toys now she is sitting up. She is very endearing and cheeky; she likes to play peekaboo with a blanket, hiding and surprising anyone who wants to play hide and seek.

When Ava is out and about in her buggy, she waves as she passes people by and gives them her charming big smile. Ava’s foster carer Emma says, ‘When I go out shopping, we always have to stop in the street or the supermarket because Ava’s big brown eyes and her wonderful smile will make people want to wave back or they will come over and speak to her. She really is a delight to be with.’

After a good full night’s sleep, Ava will wake up in the morning, always with a positive happy smile and looks forward to her breakfast. ‘Ava is such a good little eater,’ Emma adds. ‘She likes everything; from everyday meals, to also enjoying being with my family or friends when we go to Nando’s or Wagamama. She will shake her head if she doesn’t like something, but she will always try everything first. She is a pleasure to be with and is happy to sit in restaurants and go to places outside of her home.’

Ava is beginning to babble and talk when she is at home and at nursery. She has been diagnosed with glue ear, which could be why her speech is a little delayed. It is likely if it doesn’t clear up, she will need grommets to be fitted in her ears, which in time will fall out on their own.

Spending time with Ava is very special. She loves sitting with Emma, as well as her adult children or friends, enjoying a book being read to her, especially the ones that have fabric and materials that crackle, which give her a funny feeling on her fingers or make a noise. She will happily play with toys on her own, but also likes to interact with the other friends and family who come to the house.

‘When you have Ava on your lap,’ Emma says, ‘and you are telling her a story, at the end, Ava will give you the biggest hug you will ever have. She will snuggle into me and wrap her arms around me and will pat me on my back with her little hands. She will then squeeze my face and give me a big kiss. She is the most giving child and makes you feel very important in her life’.

Ava is a very slight little girl and is a bit behind on her development and size. She was born with an inside cleft palate, which is where the roof of the mouth hasn’t fused together. Ava will require a small operation in the next 12 months which will close the gap. She has also been diagnosed with a genetic condition which could result in some long-term muscle weakness. Ava attends regular physio, which is helping her to gain the strength to crawl in the future.

Adopt South has produced a sensitive film featuring Ava. Her identity and her foster carer’s have been obscured, but you can hear Ava’s voice. You can view it on Adopt South’s website.

Rachel Reynolds, Head of Adopt South says, ‘Ava is such a beautiful little girl. She has this irresistible smile and a welcoming personality. I would also like to thank Ava’s foster carer Emma, who has nurtured and cared for Ava with the support of Emma’s family and friends. As Ava continues to grow and flourish, she will need a parent or parents with caring and giving qualities who can cherish her for who she is.’

Ava has some health issues which will be treated in the next year and will make it easier for her to hear and eat. She will need a parent(s) who will be able to attend medical and muscle strengthening sessions and understand that there are some unknowns around her genetic diagnosis. Rachel adds, ‘We will help Ava's adoptive family in any way we can, which includes a plan of support to meet her needs. Ava eats and sleeps well and loves to be with family, friends, and children her own age or older. She is such a delightful little girl who deserves a family who can give her their time, understanding and love to meet her needs.’

Adopt South welcomes conversations with anyone who has naturally caring and supportive qualities to give Ava the love and understanding she needs. You can adopt if you are single, living with extended family, LGBTQ+, over 40 years of age, or if you have children already. Adopt South has a dedicated team for adoption enquiries on 0300 3000 011 or use their online form to receive a call back. You can find out more on the Adopt South website (www.adoptsouth.org.uk).

All Adopt South families have access to ongoing free advice, workshops and social events for their children up to the age of 21 years (or 25 years for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan). There is also a community of adoptive families as well adopter mentors who support those going through the adoption process as well as adoptive parents.