Together for Families from Cornwall Council is proud to be supporting the second annual Adoption & Foster care support week for LGBT+ parents, which takes place from 20-24 September.
LGBT+ people now play a key role in Cornwall in parenting some of our most vulnerable children, with an increasing number of enquiries and approvals of LGBT+ foster carers and adopters from across the duchy.
In 2020, 1 in 6 adoptions in England were to same-sex couples. Research suggests that LGBT+ adoptive parents are more likely to adopt older children, sibling groups, or those with additional needs and disabilities than other adopters.
While LGBT+ adopters and foster carers bring a unique skillset to parenting, they also face distinct and separate support challenges to other adopters and foster carers.
Throughout the week the campaign will focus on education. New Family Social – the UK’s charity for LGBT+ adopters and foster carers – leads the campaign and says education is frequently a concern for them.
New Family Social’s Head of Engagement & Communications, James Lawrence, said: “Finding the right school for your child is a top priority for all parents. If you’re LGBT+ you’ll want to make sure your family is fully supported by the school’s policies and practices.
“You’ll also need to know that the schools on offer can meet your child’s additional needs. If you need to access help from your adoption or fostering agency, you'll want clarity on what it can do for you.”
Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Barbara Ellenbroek, said: “We welcome applications for prospective foster carers and adopters from the LGBT+ community and from all walks of life to match the needs of the children that need care and forever homes across Cornwall. If you have the time and the love to care for a child, especially older children and those that are part of a sibling group, we would love to hear from you.”
Cornwall Council is a member of New Family Social and offers free access to the charity’s services as part of its support package for its LGBT+ adopters/foster carers.
For more information visit search Cornwall Council fostering or adoption. To speak to one of Cornwall Council’s friendly adoption and fostering teams call 01872 322 200 or 01872 323 638.
