LGBT+ community encouraged to think about fostering and adoption

This week is LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week.

Adoption can seem like a daunting and exciting experience, but last year over 24% of approved adopters were part of the LGBT+ community.

Adoption in Merseyside (AiM) provides a full adoption service for people wanting to grow their family. They are part of the four local authorities and help children find loving families across Merseyside.

Elaine Jamieson, Recruitment and Assessment manager said: “We are extremely proud of the diverse range of people that choose to adopt with us.

“We offer free membership for New Family Social, they connect over 5,000 adopters across the UK within the LGBT+ community.

“Adopting a child can be challenging and we know that this extra support will help our families thrive.”

Kathryn and Lisa started their adoption journey after being together for 17 years. They knew their next route was to become parents.

They had recently completed IVF, so they were asked to return to AiM after a period of reflection.

Lisa and Kathryn also approached other agencies, however, as a Regional Adoption Agency, they realised that they were more likely to be matched with a baby or younger child. Other agencies don’t have the same direct links between the local authority and the children’s teams so children may be slightly older.

Lisa said: “The process was very thorough, but we had lots of support. The training course was interesting, and it made us reflect on our own childhoods, our relationships, and how we would parent in the future’.

“The process took just over 12 months, and we now have a beautiful little boy. We adore our little family and even after the adoption process, we are still able to get support if needed.”

If you could consider growing your family, visit www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk and request an adoption information pack.

For information about fostering in Liverpool, visit www.fostering.liverpool.gov.uk.