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

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

The regional adoption agency for West Yorkshire is challenging the misconception that only heterosexual people can adopt, by supporting this year’s awareness-raising week (1-7 March), which is organised by national charity New Family Social.

One Adoption West Yorkshire wants to remind LGBT+ people from across the region who are thinking about adopting as a way to build their family, that they should not rule themselves out and can find out more at an adoption information event which take place regularly online.

One Adoption West Yorkshire, which provides adoption services for Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield councils, has supported many same-sex couples and single LGBT+ people to adopt.  In fact, since its launch in 2017, one in five adoptions approved by the agency were to members of the LGBT+ community. However, many people still think they wouldn’t be allowed to adopt because of their gender or sexuality. This is why One Adoption West Yorkshire is urging people not to rule themselves out - there are lots of children in local authority 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.

“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.

“We have put a lot of changes in place over the past year to make sure we can keep adoptions moving forward during the pandemic including moving all of our information events and training online, keeping face to face visits to a minimum and establishing COVID safe measures for any home visits.  This has meant we have been able to keep delays for children and adopters to a minimum.

“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 build their family through adoption, with support and peer mentors available to help guide you on your journey.”

One Adoption West Yorkshire regularly hosts information events which are an opportunity for people to come along and talk to friendly professional staff and experienced adopters to find out more about adoption, the assessment process, the 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 online events planned for March will take place on Saturday 6 March at 10am and Thursday 16 March at 6pm both via Zoom.

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 training and workshops and therapeutic support from our multi- disciplinary team.

Anyone interested in finding out about adopting or to book a place on an information event 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