"I BELIEVE the children are our future; teach them well and let them lead the way," Whitney Houston: The Greatest Love Of All.

Procreation, the survival of the species, call it what you will, having children, watching them grow and eventually have children of their own is probably the aim of most couples.

But what if you can't have children of your own, for whatever reason, and medical intervention is unable to help?

Maybe you're single, but still want a family, what then?

Adoption is not for everyone, but for 43-year-old nurse practioner Ann (not her real name) it was the answer to her dream of having a daughter of her own.

Ann adopted Jane (again, not her real name) with the help of the St. Francis' Children Society at Milton Keynes about two and half years ago and has never looked back. In fact she is thinking of adopting a sister for the lively six-year-old.

"It's been a big learning curve for both of us, but I haven't regretted it for a moment," she said.

Adoption is not easy. The process is complex and prospective parents are subjected to rigorous checks and interviews before they are even allowed to meet a child that the authorities feel may be suited to the applicant.

Ann was introduced to Jane at her foster home and during a series of getting-to-know-you meetings showed her photographs of her Leighton house and extended family.

More interviews followed until the day finally arrived when Ann was given the go-ahead to take Jane home.

"She was waiting at the door and said 'that's my new mum', said Ann.

"It's funny thinking about it now, but once she was through the door I thought – what do I do with her."

It would be several months before Jane was ready to start school, however, and they had plenty of time to settle into a routine and get to know each other's funny little ways.

"She had been with her foster parents a long time and there were some really heart-wrenching, sobbing, bouts of homesickness," said Ann.

"But we got over that and now she loves living in Leighton Buzzard.

"She has lots of friends and is really happy.

"Her school, the staff at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre have been marvellous and the support from the people of Leighton Buzzard has just been incredible.

"It's a long struggle and you have to be really determined, but the rewards are immense.

"Adoption – I would recommend it to anyone."

Anyone considering adoption, but not sure what to do next is invited to an open evening at the SFCS offices at 48 Newport Road, Woolstone, Milton Keynes between 6.30pm and 8.30pm tomorrow, Wednesday September 3.

Telephone 01908 572700 or log onto www.sfcs.org.uk for more information.