More Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) adopters and foster carers are needed to provide loving, stable homes for children across the UK, particularly for those over four years old and sibling groups.
1 in 10 adoptions in England in 2016 were to same-sex couples, but some 70,000 children are in care.
Leading adoption charity Adoption Matters is appealing for more members of the LGBT community to consider becoming adoptive parents. Adoption Matters a proud member of New Family Social – the UK charity working for LGBT adopters, foster carers and their children and who organise the week each year. This year’s events take place between 7 and 13 March. Two of Adoption Matters’ couples, Luke & Sam and Michael & Les, have shared their stories in the hope of encouraging other couples to think about adoption.
Helen & Simone* are also sharing their story of adoption through the concurrent planning route. Click here for Helen & Simone: https://www.adoptionmatters.org/case_study/helen-simone/
Adoption Matters Chief Executive, Norman Goodwin CBE says: ‘We know from experience that LGBT people often come to adoption with an open mind and real enthusiasm – it’s often their first choice for growing their family. Many of our children have had a very chaotic start to life, and we’ve seen them thrive with their new parents.
‘You can be single, over 40 and you don’t need to own your own home to consider adoption. We need people with stability, love and resourcefulness who can who can help a child with whatever needs they may have.’
Now in its sixth year, LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week is organised by New Family Social, a charity that supports LGBT adopters and foster carers across the UK. Tor Docherty, New Family Social’s Chief Executive, said:
‘Record numbers of LGBT people now choose to adopt or foster. But YouGov polling shows many believe they’ll be discriminated against by agencies, with eight in ten lesbian, gay and bisexual people expecting to face barriers if they apply to become foster parents. We’re delighted that Adoption Matters is supporting the week and attending our event on 9 March in Manchester to try and to encourage more LGBT people to explore adoption.’
To find out more about adoption and meet members of the Adoption Matters team together with some of their LGBT adopters, come along to New Family Social’s LGBT Recruitment Event, LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
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