Family Adoption Links wholeheartedly encourage applications from lesbians, gays, transgender and asexual couples and individuals. We have a huge amount of experience advising, assessing and supporting people like you to achieve the family they have dreamed of.
In 2023, 1 in 5 adoptions were to same-sex couples so you’ll be glad to know that you’re not on your own. Wherever you are on the spectrum and whether you’re married, living together or single, the important thing for us is provide safe, secure and loving families for vulnerable children.
Despite the law changing way back in 2005, some people still think being gay is a barrier to becoming an adoptive parent and we want to make sure you know that is definitely not the case.
Children thrive in same sex families – Bullying and confusion over their gender identity are just some of the issues that people thought children adopted by same sex couples would encounter but in fact, studies suggest that same-sex families are thriving and they score particularly well in assessments of family relationships, parental wellbeing and child adjustment.
Another misconception is that the parent-child bond may not be as strong however research published by CoramBAAF actually suggests that gay fathers show greater levels of interaction with their child than other types of parents.
If you choose to adopt through Family Adoption Links, you will also be given free membership to New Family Social. This proactive organisation provides dedicated support, training, forums and events for LGBTQ+ adopters.
We were lucky enough to welcome our second child with Family Adoption Links earlier this year. As with any adoption we have had our challenges but the process has run very smoothly and the social workers have supported us very well throughout.
Jane and Susan
My partner and I live together but we’re not married, can we adopt?
It’s really important that our children are placed in stable, secure and loving households so we ask that if you are applying jointly that you have been in a relationship for at least two years.
I’m single, can I adopt?
Absolutely, this is not a barrier to adoption, what we’ll be looking for in this case (and with couples too) is that you have a strong and adequate network so that you and your children can be supported along your journey.
I am a trans person, do I need a Gender Recognition Certificate to Adopt?
No, this isn’t necessary.
Can I adopt if I’m not ‘out’ to my family?
What’s important to us is that you’re not asking your adopted child/ren to keep secrets. As you can imagine this can be very triggering for looked-after children.
You don’t necessarily need to be out to estranged or distant family as they won’t interact with your child/ren. Your Social Worker will be very happy to talk this through with you
If I conform to stereotypes, will my assessment be easier?
Our professional and friendly Social Workers assess all adopters on their own individual merit so it’s really important that you just be yourself. We can then easily see your personality and parenting style allowing for a more successful match.
Will my sexuality be taken into account when adopting?
Our assessments are based on whether you’ll be a good parent to a child or children that needs adopting. Your sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t affect this.
During the assessment process, we’ll really get to know you, and gather lots of information including why you want to adopt and the type of lifestyle you live. Our children need parents who are kind, empathetic, flexible, understanding, good with relationships and who can talk about feelings.
Applying as an LGBT+ adopter is absolutely no different to any other application.
