UK adoption agencies urge more same-sex couples to adopt 

Adoption agencies across the United Kingdom are urging more same-sex couples to adopt children as part of a national campaign meant to recruit new adoptive families.

The campaign organized by advocacy group New Family Social, “LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week,” was March 2-5. Several adoption agencies used the campaign to encourage homosexual couples and individuals to pursue adoption.

Coram, one of the country’s largest adoption organizations, promoted the effort and invited members of the LGBT community to begin the adoption process.

“We are proud to support LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week again this year, and warmly welcome enquiries from single people and couples within the LGBTQ+ community in London and surrounding areas, who can provide safe, loving homes for children,” said Caroline Keane, head of adoption at Coram. 

Adoption groups say thousands of children across England still need permanent homes. Many children enter the care system after experiencing abuse, neglect or family instability.

“The number of children waiting to be adopted has increased by 45% in England over the past three years,” Coram said.

Over 3,000 children in England currently wait to be matched with adoptive families. About 1,500 of those children have waited at least 18 months, according to adoption agencies.

Data from England’s Department for Education shows adoption represents a small share of outcomes for children in care. About 3,040 children were adopted in a recent year, roughly 4% of children in the system.

Adoption by same-sex couples also has increased. About 20% of all adoptions in England now involve same-sex couples.

Kate Patel, head of adoption and fostering at Diagrama, said her organization encourages same-sex couples to apply.

“At Diagrama, we welcome applications from same-sex couples and want to reassure them that love, commitment, and stability are what matter most to children in need of a home,” she said. “There are no barriers to forming a family because you are in a same sex relationship.”

British law also has shaped adoption policy in recent years. Since anti-discrimination rules took effect in 2010, adoption agencies in the U.K. have not been allowed to prioritize homes with both a mother and a father.

Some child advocates argue adoption policy should focus first on the needs of children. “Children need, deserve, and have a right to both,” said Katy Faust, founder of the children’s rights group Them Before Us.

“Adoption and foster care are for children,” she said. “They are the clients, not adults.”

As agencies recruit more adoptive parents, debate continues over whether adoption policy should prioritize placing children with both a mother and a father whenever possible.

(Image credit: Screenshot / Coram Adoption)