Birmingham celebrates LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2022
Published: 7th Mar 2022
This LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering Week, we’re highlighting LGBTQ+ adoption in Birmingham.
One in four of our adopters are LGBTQ+
Birmingham Children’s Trust have a long history of helping LGBTQ+ people realise their dream of becoming a family through adoption.
“We welcomed single gay adopters before adoption by same-sex couples was legalised in 2005.”
Head of Service, Andrew Logie says, “some adoption agencies, especially those that had religious affiliations, have not always welcomed LGBTQ+ adopters. That isn’t the case with Birmingham Children’s Trust. We have a long history of welcoming gay adopters. Although we have always acted within the law, we welcomed single gay adopters before adoption by same-sex couples was legalised by the Adoption and Children Act, which came into effect in 2005. We’re proud of this history and our links to the LGBTQ+ community in Birmingham.”
What our adopters say
Birmingham adopter Andy, who adopted with his husband Tom explains how he felt at their first adoption training session, “We weren’t sure what to expect but looking around the room we realised that we were amongst an eclectic group of people which really represented the diversity of Birmingham. We felt comfortable being ourselves”.
Today one in four of our adopters are LGBTQ+ and we continue to work hard to ensure that that our LGBTQ+ adopters have the same experience as their straight peers. We listen and learn from everyone who contacts our service.
“We felt comfortable being ourselves”
Ellen, who adopted her daughter Ivy with her wife Evelyn explains, “We can’t imagine life without Ivy now. She’s everything to us. There are challenges of course but the Trust prepared us really well and we know that Birmingham Children’s Trust will be there for Ivy her whole life if she ever needs them. Their support is nationally recognised.
“If I had to give advice to anyone else in the LGBTQ+ community that is thinking about adoption I’d say just go for it! You have everything to gain. Do your research. We chose Birmingham Children’s Trust because we saw ourselves as a Jamaican- white British same sex couple reflected on their website and we felt welcome.”
At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we welcome adoption application from anyone who can provide a child with a safe and loving home to grow up in.
Specialist support
We offer life-long support to all our adopters.
We understand the importance of having the right peer support for our LGBTQ+ adopters. That’s why we provide a free membership to New Family Social, a UK charity led by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers, to help you through your adoption journey. New Family Social can provide you with peer support, support groups, access to publications, regional and national training.
Speak to our team to find out more
Whether you would like an informal chat to find out more or you feel ready to start your adoption journey, we are here for you. Our friendly recruitment team will always have time to listen to you.
Email us: Adopt@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
Telephone: 0121 303 7575