Today (Monday 7 March) marks the start of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Adoption and Fostering Week, and an appeal has gone out for LGBT people to consider taking on this life changing role.
One in 12 adoptions in England in 2015 were to same sex couples, and the City of Wolverhampton Council is urging potential LGBT carers to contact its Fostering for Wolverhampton team to find out more.
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We know from experience that LGBT people come to adoption and fostering with an open mind and real enthusiasm, and it's often their first choice for growing a family.
"Many of our children have had a very traumatic start to life, and we want to see them thrive in a loving and caring environment."
Now in its fifth year, LGBT Adoption and 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.
"We're delighted that the City of Wolverhampton Council is supporting the week and trying to encourage more LGBT people to explore adoption or foster caring."
For more details about fostering in Wolverhampton, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=3758;Title=Fostering; or call 01902 551133. There is also a fostering recruitment event tonight (Monday) at Molineux Stadium from 7pm to 8.30pm. Anyone interested in adopting a child should visit Type=links;Linkid=3189;Title=Adoption in the Black Country;Target=_blank;.
For more information about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Adoption and Fostering Week, please visit Type=links;Linkid=7032;Title=LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week;Target=_blank;.
- released: Monday 7 March, 2016