More than 480 children were placed with lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) adoptive families over the last year, the government has announced – the highest number to date.
The figure was released to mark the start of the this year’s LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, which will run until 8 March to promote the efforts of foster carers and adoptive families from those communities. It is also ten years since the introduction of the Adoption and Children Act, which gave LGBT people the same right to adopt as heterosexual couples. Since that time, adoption by LGBT families has grown every single year.
Children’s Minister Edward Timpson said he welcomed the increasing engagement of LGBT adopters in helping vulnerable children.
“Over the last 12 months, we placed thousands more of our most vulnerable children in the loving and permanent homes they so desperately need – but we still need more people from all walks to come forward and adopt.”
Sexual orientation or gender identity does not matter, the Minister insisted, only “their ability to love and provide for children in need.”
