1,2,3, or more?
LGBTQ+ people in Wales asked to consider the number of vulnerable children they could adopt
For sibling groups in Wales, the wait to find a ‘forever home’ can last a long time with sibling groups over the age of three often having to wait even longer. Led by New Family Social and supported in Wales by the National Adoption Service for Wales, LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week 2023 starts today (6 March). This year’s campaign is encouraging adoption applicants to think about the number of vulnerable children they could adopt and to consider adopting one, two, three, or more children.
In Wales, in 2022 there were some 7,080 looked-after children. With strong numbers of LGBTQ+ people adopting, the National Adoption Service for Wales is pleased that more children waiting for adoption are finding permanent families, however, the service continues to welcome and encourages enquiries from the LGBTQ+ community, especially for children waiting longest.
In 2016-2017, 1 in 8 adoption applications came from same-gender couples, compared to the latest figures in Wales in 2022 where 1 in 4 adoption applications was from same-gender couples. LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week is the only campaign to solely focus on LGBTQ+ potential applicants.
The collaborative regional agencies of the National Adoption Service for Wales are amongst over 100 adoption and fostering agencies across the UK supporting the 2023 campaign, where LGBTQ+ applicants can access dedicated support no matter where in the country they are.
Suzanne Griffiths, Director of the National Adoption Service for Wales said:
“Sibling relationships are often the most enduring and longest relationship that any of us can have, and we know from experience and research in adoption that keeping siblings together can help to reduce trauma for children and also help many to settle into their new homes. We are proud of the fact that currently 1 in 4 applications to adopt in Wales are from same-sex couples which is a significant improvement on previous years and something that we are keen to support and indeed improve on over time. We hope this week people from the LGBTQ+ community thinking about adopting will find the information being shared helpful and that it will answer some of the questions they might have about adopting a sibling group.”
Tor Docherty, New Family Social Chief Executive said:
“We hope LGBTQ+ potential applicants will think about the number of children they could care for. Some children need to be cared for by themselves. Others will thrive if they can live with their siblings. In adoption and fostering the needs of the child and children must remain paramount – for some siblings this means staying together.”
Martyn and Lee adopted two little boys through Western Bay Adoption Service in Wales. They said:
“From our very first date we discussed having children and always thought about adoption. Martyn’s great grandmother was adopted, so he was aware of it growing up.
“We decided to adopt older children because they’re more vocal. They’re able to talk to you about their life journey and what they’ve been through.
Martyn and Lee’s children are proud to have LGBTQ+ parents.
“Our kids call us ‘Dad and Daddy’ and it’s an amazing feeling. They are so proud of us and they’ll say openly that we’re their dads, even at the supermarket to the cashier.
The couple are aware of the longer waiting times for older sibling groups and older children.
“It’s surprising to see how many older children are waiting to be adopted. It’s something that I always encourage people to do. When you adopt, you are starting from scratch because every family does things differently.
As LGBTQ+ adopters, Martyn and Lee have spoken about the support that’s available and also what they do to destigmatise adoption with their children.
“Now, we are able to offer advice to those looking to adopt. We are members of support groups, including an LGBTQ group – and support other people going through the same experience. We read children’s story books, which include LGBTQ parents, which helps to break down stigmas so that people understand that our family is the same as everyone else’s.”
You can follow LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week online and through Twitter (@lgbtadoptfoster) and Facebook (@newfamilysocial).
Find out more LGBTQ+ adoption in Wales: https://www.adoptcymru.com/lgbtq-adoption
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