LGBT+ community in West Yorkshire urged not to rule themselves out of adoption

Sent on behalf of One Adoption:

Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans communities are being invited to find out about adopting a child through One Adoption as part of LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering week.

The regional adoption agency for West Yorkshire – One Adoption – is tackling the myth that only heterosexual couples can adopt, by supporting this year’s awareness-raising week (2-8 March), which is organised by national charity New Family Social.

One Adoption West Yorkshire wants to highlight that members of the LGBT+ community who are thinking about adopting as a way to create or grow their family, should come along to a local information event and speak to adoption professionals in their local area.

This year three of Leeds’ iconic buildings will also be festooned in rainbow coloured lights to celebrate the week and show support for LGBT+ adoption and fostering. On Tuesday 3 March, Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds Town Hall and Leeds City Museum will all proudly display rainbow lights.

One Adoption West Yorkshire has a great track-record helping same-sex couples or single LGBT+ people to adopt. In fact, since its launch in 2017, one in five adoptions approved by One Adoption West Yorkshire were to members of the LGBT+ community. However, many people still think they wouldn’t be allowed to adopt because of their sexuality. This is why One Adoption West Yorkshire is urging people not to rule themselves out - there are lots of children still in care, whose lives could be transformed by an LGBT+ adopter.

Councillor Fiona Venner, chair of the West Yorkshire adoption joint committee said:

“We need a wide range of people to meet the diverse needs of some of West Yorkshire’s most vulnerable children. Adoptive parents who can offer children a stable, loving, permanent home are our priority rather than their sexuality.

“I’m delighted that we can show our support for LGBT+ adopters and carers by lighting up three of our iconic city buildings in such a striking way.

“Our adoption teams across the region offer a warm welcome to everyone who is interested in finding out more about adoption and I’d urge people to get in touch.”

Sarah Johal, head of agency at One Adoption West Yorkshire said:

“Adoption is life changing for children. What matters is that you can offer love, stability and security for a child who may not have had the greatest start in life. We welcome applications from people of any sexuality, race or religion, married or single, who can open their hearts and their homes to children in our region.

“Considering adoption is a huge decision for anyone. At times it is challenging, as parenthood is for everyone, but adoption is an incredibly rewarding and positive experience. Here at One Adoption we have a great track record helping members of the LGBT+ community to create or grow their family through adoption, with support and peer mentors available to help guide you on your journey.”

One Adoption regularly hosts information events which are an opportunity for people of all sexualities to come along and talk to friendly professional staff to find out more about adoption, the assessment process, what children One Adoption is currently looking for homes for and what it is like to adopt a child, from people who have already adopted.

The events planned for March are:

• Leeds: 10 March, 6.30pm, Kernel House, Killingbeck Drive, LS14 6UF
• Leeds: Saturday 21 March, 10am, The Carriageworks, Millennium Square, LS2 3AD
• Halifax: 31 March, 6.30pm, Imperial Crown Hotel, HX1 1QE

By adopting through One Adoption parents are supported throughout the whole process by a highly experienced, dedicated adoption support team. There is a comprehensive programme of pre and post adoption training and support – from stay and play sessions to more in depth workshops.

Anyone interested in finding out about adopting can check out the One Adoption website www.oneadoption.co.uk or call the advice line on 0113 378 3535

Notes to editors:

Interviews can be arranged with adopters and adoption professionals.

ENDS

For media enquiries and interview requests please contact:

Emma Whittell, One Adoption regional communications and marketing lead

emma.whittell@leeds.gov.uk or 0113 3789188