LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week: Change Lives in 2025

Adoption in Merseyside welcomes people from all backgrounds to apply to adopt, it doesn’t matter about gender, race, sexual orientation or relationship status.

35% of the approved adopters last year from Adoption in Merseyside were from the LGBTQ+ community which is higher than the national average.

Adoption is a profound and life-changing decision for both the child and the adoptive parents.

For many children who need a family, adoption is a chance to find stability, love, and support.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community have long faced adversity, but they bring unique qualities and experiences that make them well-suited to meet the needs of children in the adoption process.

LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can offer not only a safe and loving home, but also the opportunity for a child to learn important lessons about acceptance, diversity, and identity.

One of the most critical aspects of adoption is the ability of parents to understand and support a child’s identity. LGBTQ+ adoptive parents have a unique understanding of the importance of identity, given the societal pressures and personal journeys many in the community have faced regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity.

A stable home life is vital for children who have experienced instability, neglect, or trauma. LGBTQ+ adoptive parents often understand what it means to deal with societal judgment and adversity, and as a result, they are particularly equipped to help their children navigate any challenges they might face.

Additionally, many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples come from communities that place a strong emphasis on their chosen family. As a result, they may have a network of supportive friends, allies, and mentors who can help provide additional emotional support to an adopted child. The idea of chosen family can help children understand that family is not just about biology, but about love, trust, and support. This can be especially powerful for children who have experienced the loss of their biological families or have been separated from them.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of adoption is not the sexual orientation or gender identity of the parents, but the ability to provide a loving, supportive, and safe environment for a child to grow, heal, and thrive.

Come along to an online information session to find out more about the process