Facts and Figures on LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering

• LGBT+ Adopters and Foster Carers: According to New Family Social, around 1 in 6 adopters in the UK are from the LGBT+ community. In some regions, this number is even higher, showing a growing trend of LGBT+ individuals and couples pursuing adoption and fostering as a means of creating families (New Family Social).
• LGBT+ Families in the UK: The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that there are over 200,000 same-sex couples living together in the UK (Office for National Statistics). Many of these couples are choosing to become parents, whether through fostering, adoption, or other routes such as surrogacy.
• The Need for More LGBT+ Foster Carers: In 2024, it was reported that there were over 7,000 children in the UK waiting for adoption, with a higher demand for foster carers across the country (The Fostering Network). This highlights the ongoing need for diverse and loving families, including those within the LGBT+ community, to open their hearts and homes to children in care.

Why LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering Week Matters

LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week plays a crucial role in:

1. Raising Awareness: The week brings much-needed attention to the challenges and rewards of fostering and adopting as an LGBT+ person. It helps break down barriers, tackles misconceptions, and shows that anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can make an amazing parent.
2. Encouraging LGBT+ Participation: By sharing stories from LGBT+ adoptive and foster families, the campaign encourages others in the community to consider adoption or fostering. There are often concerns about the adoption process or fear of discrimination, but LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering Week offers valuable resources and support to help individuals navigate the journey.
3. Supporting Children in Need: Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that children in care are placed with parents who can meet their needs, offer love and stability, and help them grow into healthy, happy adults. LGBT+ adoption and fostering help meet this need by expanding the pool of potential families who are ready and willing to provide these children with the care they deserve.

LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week 2025 is not just about raising awareness for LGBT+ adoption and fostering; it’s about celebrating the incredible contributions that LGBT+ people make to the world of family-building and showing that love knows no boundaries. By embracing diversity in adoption and fostering, we can ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the opportunity to grow up in a loving and supportive environment.

At Sunbeam Fostering, we welcome foster parents from all backgrounds, regardless of sexual orientation. What truly matters is your ability to provide a safe, loving, and supportive home for a child. We are committed to ensuring that all foster parents, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, have the resources and support needed to succeed in fostering. Every child deserves love and care, and your home could be the perfect place to provide that. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer please call us on 02087990930 or visit our website www.sunbeamfostering.com

Written By- Nishtha Singh(Digital Marketing Officer