Adoption@Heart, the Regional Adoption Agency for the Black Country, is backing the national campaign, which runs from 2 to 8 March, 2020 and asks people the question, #WhyNotYou?
Latest statistics show that in 2019, the number of adoptions in England to LGBT+ individuals and couples rose to 490, 1 in 7 of all adoptions, up from 1 in 20 adoptions in 2012.
New Family Social founded Adoption and Fostering Week and provides support to people from the LGBT+ community going through the adoption and fostering process. It works directly with its members and agencies to find families for children in care.
Mark Tobin, Service Head of Adoption@Heart said: “Adopters come from all walks of life and all applications are welcome and will be treated equally.
“We are proud to be a member of New Family Social and to continue supporting the work it does, particularly around LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week.
“Adoption@Heart will always encourage enquiries from the LGBT+ community - if you're interested in finding out more or feel ready to start your adoption journey, call us today.”
Anyone can adopt, whether they are single, living together, married, a same sex couple, in employment or not working, or already have children or not. Potential adopters must legally be a UK resident and have been so for at least 12 months, as well as being aged 21 or over. They should have a spare bedroom and be able to provide a stable home for a child until adulthood and beyond.
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 gave unmarried couples, including same sex couples, the right to adopt. It became law in December 2005. LGBT+ couples don’t need to be in a civil partnership or married to adopt and single adopters are also welcome, whatever their gender or sexual orientation.
Adoption@Heart holds information and advice sessions every 2 weeks across the region, providing the perfect opportunity for prospective adopters to find out more and have their questions answered.
For more information, please visit Adoption@Heart, call 0800 073 0597 or email info@adoptionatheart.org.uk.
