March 01, 2017
LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, 6-12 March 2017
More LGBT adopters and foster carers are needed to provide loving, stable homes for children in the Milton Keynes region, particularly for those who are 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 currently in care, with around 2,000 awaiting adoption.
LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week begins on Monday 6th March, and SFCS is taking the opportunity to encourage members of the LGBT community to consider adoption.
Alison Miller, CEO of SFCS says: ‘We know from experience that LGBT people often come to adoption and fostering with an open mind and real enthusiasm – it’s often their first choice for growing their family. Many children awaiting adoption have had a very chaotic start in 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 help a child with whatever needs they may have.’
SFCS publishes a wide range of adoption information resources on its website, and we are hosting two information events in our Family Centre later this month: a Lunchtime Drop-In between 12 noon and 2pm on Friday 17th March, and a special ‘Big Adoption Day’ information event at 6.30pm on Wednesday 29th March.
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 SFCS is supporting the week and trying to encourage more LGBT people to explore adoption.’
Find out more about LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week.
General enquiry
Adoption enquiry
