LGBT adopters more likely to consider siblings

Three in four LGBT people in Britain going through the adoption process actively consider adopting siblings, according to new research by New Family Social, the UK network for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) adoptive and foster families. However, the majority are matched with a single child first or are told no suitable match is available.

The report titled Strength in Numbers: LGBT people on adopting siblings recommends that when approved LGBT adopters express an interest in adopting a sibling group this should be the first focus of family-finding for these adopters. That would help brothers and sisters to stay together or wait less time to find an adoptive family.

More than half of the children waiting for adoption are in a sibling group and wait longer than other children.

Leading adoption charity Adoption Matters and NFS member are always looking for adopters who could consider a sibling group and over half of the 64 children they placed with families last year (Apr 15 to Mar 16) were part of a sibling group.   One of their own LGBT couples Luke & Sam who adopted two brothers commented:

“We initially entered the process with a view to adopting one boy 4+ years old. Throughout the process however, we became aware of all the siblings waiting for a forever home and we were planning on adopting two children at some stage so we agreed to add a preference for a male sibling pair. As we believed we would be waiting for so long, we decided to buy a bigger house and give ourselves a renovation project… it didn’t happen how we thought it would!

Our panel was in the Spring of 2015, and the very next day we received a call about our two boys aged 4 & 6 years old. We immediately knew they were for us the moment we saw their profile. By August 2015, our boys had moved in!”

Sam & Luke’s full story is available here

Adoption Matters Chief Executive Norman Goodwin, CBE commented: We are always very open and honest with our prospective adopters that the biggest need for adopters across the whole country is for sibling groups, children aged 4 and above and children with additional needs.  We ensure our adopters are fully informed and trained about the ‘type’ of children who need a family and we ensure we find the right family for children.

For more information on adoption complete our online enquiry form or contact us on 0300 123 1066.