Adoption is for all – build a family through adoption with Buckinghamshire Council
As the LGBTQ+ Adoption week begins on Monday 6 March, Buckinghamshire Council is using the opportunity to share the power of adoption through real stories, hoping to encourage people who identify as LGBTQ+ to explore whether adoption might be right for them. The council is also keen to break down perceptions about who can adopt and highlight the council-led support that is available for anyone considering adoption.
Buckinghamshire Council is hosting a special information evening on 4 April, where a guest speaker will share their experience of adopting as an LGBTQ+ person. Everyone interested in adoption is encouraged to attend, and book now to avoid disappointment, as places are limited.
Anita Cranmer, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Buckinghamshire Council said:
“In our experience, LGBTQ+ people are often open to adopting children with additional needs, brothers and sisters, children from a different heritage and older children. We’re really proud that last year in Buckinghamshire, 1 in 6 children were adopted by same-sex couples.”
This was the case with one family that Buckinghamshire Council helped to bring together. James and Rob recently adopted their son, who was 4 years old at the time. They said:
“Our social worker immediately put us in contact with another same-sex couple who were about six months ahead of us in their journey. Meeting them, hearing their story and listening to them mention having very similar questions and nervousness about the process was really affirming. A lot of adopting a child is understanding that you are not the only ones to feel this way and talking it through over a coffee is a great way to feel like we are doing alright!”
Anita Cranmer continued:
“We are seeking people from all kinds of backgrounds to come forward to care for children who need a loving and safe home. You can build a family through adoption, no matter what your sexual orientation, relationship status, faith or ethnicity.
“As long as you have a spare room and the ability to provide a safe and caring environment, we welcome your interest in adopting or fostering through us.
“We celebrate diversity at Buckinghamshire Council, so please, if you are keen to grow your family, start your adoption journey today and start it with us – the rewards are huge, and you’ll join a friendly and welcoming community too.”
Emma and Sarah, who are currently in the process of adopting their child with the council, agreed saying: “Go to the open evenings, it opened up our eyes and hearts. It’s a very positive experience, we came out of it knowing adoption was what we wanted to do.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about adoption and fostering with Buckinghamshire Council, please visit Buckinghamshire Council’s website, or book onto the Information Evening here: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/LGBTQ-adoption-week