Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt?

So, you want to know if same-sex couples are able to adopt in the UK? Yes of course they can! Now more than ever, same-sex couples are being supported throughout the adoption process, exactly the same as other couples are.

 

Adoption agencies are required to analyse any prospective adopters, no matter their sexual orientation, age, ethnicity or religious beliefs. 

 

Will your sexuality be taken into account when adopting?

Adoption agencies base their assessments on whether or not you will be a good parent to a child or children unable to live with their birth family. Your sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t affect this. Generally, an agency will get to know you as individuals, and undertake an assessment gathering qualitative information about you, why you want to adopt, and the type of lifestyle you live.

Often, when it comes to accepting couples for adoption, agencies will look for people who are kind, flexible, good with relationships, and able to understand and talk about feelings. They don’t decide your capacity to adopt based on race, marital status, sexuality or gender. The LGBT+ parent adoption process is no different to that of any other, and if your agency is showing any form of discrimination, we’d recommend you find a better one...
 

 What Research is There Into LGBT+ & Same-Sex Adoption? 

Gay, Lesbian and Heterosexual Adoptive Families: Family Relationships, Child Adjustment and Adopters’ Experiences (BAAF) (2013)
This research into adoptive families headed by same-sex couples paints a positive picture of relationships and wellbeing in these new families. The study, which was carried out by Cambridge University, suggests that adoptive families with gay fathers might be faring particularly well.

In-depth research into the experiences of adoptive families headed by same-sex couples suggests that children adopted by gay or lesbian couples are just as likely to thrive as those adopted by heterosexual couples.

Guasp 2010 study
This research involved the interview of children and young people with lesbian, gay and bisexual parents and found that very young children didn’t see their family as being any different to others. The older children tended to see their family as special and different, while stressing that families come in many different forms. Crucially, the children and young people with lesbian, gay and bisexual parents didn’t want their family to change. What they wished for was that other people could be more understanding

 

LGBT+ Adoption in the UK

Adoptionplus staff are delighted to speak with people interested in Adoption. They are a welcoming, respectful and supportive adoption agency who values its LGBT+ staff and parents.

Members of the LGBT+ community may have additional questions with regards to same-sex adoption, for which they can answer any queries you may have, just get in contact with one of their team today!