At Adoption Focus, we believe that a family is the best place for a child to grow up, and that includes LGBTQ+ families in all their wonderful diversity. Across the UK, same-sex couples, single LGBTQ+ adopters, and gender-diverse parents are giving children the stability, care, and belonging they need. You could too.
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, or part of a blended family, your sexual orientation or gender identity will never stand in the way of adoption. Your capacity to offer a loving, stable home is what matters most.
From your first enquiry through to the years after a child joins your family, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We offer inclusive preparation, specialist guidance, and a supportive network of other LGBTQ+ adopters who truly understand the journey.
Gay and Same Sex Adoption
There is an urgent need for adopters of all ages and backgrounds, as there are currently thousands of children waiting for a permanent, secure home. Around 30% of adopters at Adoption Focus identify as LGBTQ+. We’d love you to join our community.
Many children waiting for adoption have experienced loss, uncertainty, and trauma. They need understanding, patience, and commitment - qualities found in abundance within the LGBTQ+ community. We know that families built through resilience, empathy, and openness can provide the nurturing environment these children need to thrive.
Benefits of LGBTQ+ Adoption
LGBTQ+ adopters are well represented and growing in number at Adoption Focus. The benefits of this type of adoption include:
- The opportunity to provide a loving stable home for a child or children in need of a new family.
- LGBTQ+ parents often raise children who grow up with strong values around inclusion, respect and understanding difference.
- Children raised in LGBTQ+ families do just as well in social, emotional and academic outcomes as those raised by heterosexual parents.
Sexual orientation and gender identity of parents is not the most important factor for adopted children. What matters most is the love, stability, safety and support you can give them.
Why trust Adoption Focus?
Adoption Focus is an independent charity, and one of the largest adoption agencies in the UK. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted on every inspection since our formation in 2009, we’re focused on providing the best support for both adopters and adoptees.
We’re passionate about inclusivity and welcome adoptive parents of all ages and backgrounds including couples, single parents, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and more. We offer lifelong support to every adoptive family - you can contact us every weekday. We provide an extensive range of therapeutic services and highly recommended training programmes. We will walk with you throughout the adoption process and far beyond, as your children grow into adulthood.
LGBTQ+ Adoption FAQs
Are gay and same sex couples allowed to adopt?
Yes, gay and same sex couples can 100% adopt a child. In 2002, The Adoption and Children Act allowed same-sex parents to become full legal parents for the first time in the UK. This means LGBTQ+ couples could adopt children from care and adopt their partner’s children. We’ve placed a substantial amount of children with LGBTQ+ families, we’d love to do the same for you.
Does the adoption process differ for gay couples and single gay people?
No, the core adoption process is the same for everyone. Agencies aren’t allowed to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The same steps include initial enquiry, preparation and training, home assessment, approval panel, matching with a child and then applying for an Adoption Order.
When did gay adoption become legal?
The Adoption and Children Act was formally passed by parliament in 2002, it came into full effect in 2005. It was rolled out in phases, with different provisions implemented at different stages. Scotland had separate legislation which came into effect in 2009.
How do I find adoption agencies that work with gay parents?
Look no further, Adoption Focus is proud to work with those in the LGTBQ+ community, matching children with loving and stable families. Get in touch today or check out an information event.
What support is there for gay and same-sex adopters?
Check out Adopterverse which is a great resource for LGBTQ+ adopters, full of advice, support and resources to help you on your journey.
What costs are involved in adoption?
The only costs involved with adoption in the UK is the medical with your GP (examination and report), or incidental costs like travel to meetings or events. All other aspects of the adoption process are covered such as the legal fees and court costs, and access to training courses. You may choose to take time off work during the process which may have financial implications.