Adoption & fostering

As of 2002, the Adoption and Children Act legislated for the first time to enable unmarried couples, including same-sex couples, to apply for joint adoption as long as an ‘enduring family relationship’ had been established.

The Adoption and Children Act came into effect on 30 December 2005.

Under the previously mentioned Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for providers of goods and services – including adoption and fostering services - to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation.

Also, same-sex couples are eligible to jointly apply for a child adoption and each other’s biological children.

After Adoption - Adoption Agency, Support for birth relatives, adoptive families, Search and intermediary service.
www.afteradoption.org.uk

Adoption UK  - support for adopters and prospective adopters before, during and after the adoption process.
www.adoptionuk.org.uk

New Family Social - UK charity for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) adopters, foster carers and their children.
www.newfamilysocial.co.uk

August 2011