A word from...... James Lawrence, Head of Communications & Engagement

LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering Week returns from 1 March. The annual campaign - led by New Family Social – aims to encourage more LGBT+ people to explore these parenting routes. With some 80,000 children in care in England in 2020, there’s an urgent and real need for more people to foster and adopt. LGBT+ people are uniquely placed to help vulnerable children navigate their identities. This is reflected in the record numbers of adoptions to LGBT+ people in England in 2020, with 1 in 6 adoptions being to same-sex couples.

Staff at adoption and fostering agencies increasingly recognise the strong skillset LGBT+ people can bring to parenting and caring. That’s why we’re thrilled that some 60 agencies will support the campaign when it returns - these account for 82 separate local authority services. (At the time of writing it’s 59 agencies, but like buses another three will announce their support imminently)

Despite lockdown it’s still possible to explore the adoption and fostering assessment processes, with sessions now taking place online. If you register for a free Bronze membership to our services you can see the list of forthcoming virtual sessions. You’ll also have access to our directory of agencies keen to talk to you that provide dedicated support to LGBT+ adopters and foster carers.

The campaign’s a fantastic opportunity to look at the journey step by step. We hope you join us on it and learn, over the course of the week, how you can build your family through adoption or fostering.