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The latest statistics1 from the Department of Education show that 1 in 6 adoptions in 2020 were by same-sex couples. Currently the Department only record limited data on LGBTQ+ adoptions this is because recording is still relatively recent. This new data excludes bisexual people, Trans people not in a same sex relationship and single LGBT adopters. Therefore, the real number of LGBTQ+ adopters will be considerably higher.
There are currently 2,0302 children waiting for adoption with nearly 900 part of a sibling group. 52% of these children have been waiting over 18 months for a family, a 10% increase in waiting time since 2019-20.
Leading children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK, Adoption Matters are proud members of New Family Social – the UK charity working for LGBTQ+ adopters, foster carers and their children who organise the week each year, and always welcome enquiries from the LGBTQ+ community.
Adoption Matters’ couple, Michael and Les and single adopter Charlie* have shared their stories in the hope of encouraging other couples to think about adoption.
Charlie* comments: “Just over fifty years ago, I would have been arrested in the UK for promoting the fact I was a gay male. Back then, it was inconceivable to think that gay people had the right to love, cohabit or even publicly show affection to anyone of the same sex.
Can you even begin to imagine the consequences of same sex couples or single gay people being given the right to care for or adopt children who needed the two fundamental needs of all human being: to be loved, and cared for? It was a reality far from anyone’s mind at that time.
Fast forward to present day and it is evident to see the opportunities open to the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to practising the desire of most human beings on this planet, to be a carer or potential parent to a child who needs stability and love”. *name changed to protect identity
Adoption Matters Chief Executive, Norman Goodwin, CBE says: “We know from experience that LGBTQ+ people often come to adoption with an open mind and real enthusiasm – it’s often of their first choices for building their family.
“You can be single, over 50 and you don’t need to own your own home to consider adoption. Sexuality isn’t an important factor in our assessment of prospective adopters, what we need is people who can offer stability, love and resilience who can who can help a child with whatever needs they may have. We offer ongoing support and training to all our families for as long as they need it.”
To find out more information and meet some of the Adoption Matters team, the agency will the charity will be holding an online event during the week on Wednesday 3 March at 6:30pm. To register a place visit: www.adoptionmatters.org/events
