For many lesbians and gay men who are considering parenthood, adoption
or fostering is their first choice, but they have often been regarded as a
"last resort" by family placement agencies. Although there are a growing
number of lesbians and gay men who are applying to adopt or foster, or
are successfully caring for children, they remain an under-used resource.
With a national shortfall of adoptive and foster placements, agencies need
to ensure that they do not deter lesbian and gay applicants from coming
forward as potential carers – and that they work effectively and
successfully to assess and support gay and lesbian applicants.
What is the legal position on adoption and
fostering by lesbians, gay men and same-sex
couples? How can agencies successfully recruit
and support lesbian and gay adopters and
carers? What issues need to be considered
when assessing gay men and lesbians as
carers/adopters?
This Good Practice Guide reviews the research,
the relevant English, Welsh and Scottish
legislation, and the policy and practice issues
surrounding these questions. It also discusses:
lesbian and gay identities;
how the development of policy and
legislation has affected the lives of gay men
and lesbians and influenced perceptions of
them as parents and carers;
the myths and prejudices that influence
attitudes towards lesbians and gay men,
particularly to them as carers and parents;
relevant research on lesbian and gay
parenting;
recruiting lesbian and gay adopters/carers;
l issues of best practice at all stages of the
assessment process; and
how social workers can support lesbian and
gay adopters and carers more effectively.
With a wealth of practical guidance for those
conducting assessments and working with lesbian and gay foster and adoptive families,
this guide will be of great help to social workers,
social work managers, and all those involved
with the recruitment, assessment and support
of gay and lesbian foster carers and adopters.
