‘Now’s the time’ to adopt or foster – Adoption Matters supports LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week 2026

2 March 2026

 

Daniel, April and Morgan and Derry celebrate LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week with Adoption Matters

Adoption Matters, and their not-for-profit fostering service, Foster Care Matters, is supporting LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2026.

‘Now’s the time’ – this year’s theme focuses on the fact that there’s no such thing as the perfect time to adopt or foster.

There’s never a perfect time to adopt or foster, but with an urgent need for more enquirers to consider adoption or fostering, now’s the time to take the first steps.

The statistics show there is an urgent need for adopters across England:

  • There are currently 3,000 children waiting for adoption, over half have waited 18 months or more.

40% of Adoption Matters adopters approved in 2025 identified as LGBTQ+.

Adopted Mum April with her son

April (above), a solo adopter, from Liverpool, adopted her son with Adoption Matters in 2024, she commented:

“I had some worries about my own circumstances before I chose to adopt and take the plunge, part of this was some concerns about my own difficult childhood and upbringing and how that had impacted on my life. Also, my age, I was 46 when I made my first phone call to Adoption Matters.  I am also single and a gay woman. I thought that some of those things in combination might make me a less attractive option as an adopter to them.

“It turns out that it was the exact opposite, I remember picking up the phone and saying all of this and the person I spoke to at Adoption Matters saying ‘brilliant, it sounds like you’ve got a lot going for you!’

“I would urge people out there to not put it off, find out more, now really is the time.”

Daniel (above), also a solo adopter, adopted his son with Adoption Matters in 2025. He comments:

“Take the plunge, make the call! You can go at your own pace throughout the process and stop for a break at any time! I had a 2-month break to travel Australia and New Zealand between stage 1 and 2 without any pressure or issues! So, what’s stopping you taking that first step? You will never ever regret it!

“One year after starting the process, my son has moved in and I couldn’t imagine life without him. Take that first step! My only regret is not making it sooner.”

Morgan and Derry adopted their son Zac, aged five.

Morgan and Derry are a married couple who adopted their son Zac in 2024, who is now nearly 7-years-old. Morgan commented:

“Adoption is a leap of faith so don’t wait for a sign; let now be your sign.”

LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week is led by New Family Social, the UK’s peer-support charity for LGBTQ+ adopters, foster carers and special guardians, Adoption Matters are proud members allowing all their LGBTQ+ adopters free membership.

Susy White, Adoption Matters Chief Executive, has emphasised the charity’s support of the campaign:

“We know from experience that people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community come forward to adoption and fostering with a real enthusiasm.

In 2025, 40% of our approved adopters identified as LGBTQ+ and we are so proud to be supporting LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week once again.”

Adoption Matters is hosting an online adoption information event during the week on Wednesday 4 March at 7pmclick here for more details.

Can’t make it? Don’t worry, we hold regular events, just download one of our adoption information guides for more infomration. 

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