First FOR ADOPTION

THE NUMBER OF SAME- SEX COUPLES ADOPTING CHILDREN IN ENGLAND HAS DOUBLED IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS. BUT WITH MORE THAN 4,000 CHILDREN STILL WAITING TO BE ADOPTED, THE NEED FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS REMAINS AS ACUTE AS EVER.

First4Adoption – the national adoption information service – welcomes enquiries from anyone within the LGBT community who could potentially offer these children a safe and loving home. Gemma Gordon-Johnson, Head Of Service at First4Adoption, says, “We’re here to offer information and advice to anyone interested in adoption. Many LGBT couples - and individuals - don’t realise that they’re even eligible to adopt.” This is just one of the many myths surrounding adoption. Single people, those who already have children, people in rented accommodation and those over 40 may also be unaware that they too can adopt.

First4Adoption, an independent organisation run by a consortium of children’s charities and supported by the Department For Education, was set up to create greater transparency around the adoption process and to give impartial information to members of all communities. People who call the information line on 0300 222 0022 can speak confidentially to a trained adviser and be directed to adoption services in their area as well as receiving up to date information about the latest developments in the adoption system.

The First4Adoption website at www. first4adoption.org.uk is also packed full of useful information. Anyone interested in adopting can take an interactive digital test to find out if they can apply to adopt. The site also includes downloadable information packs and easy to use e-learning material to support would-be adopters as they begin the approvals process.

Gemma explains: “The world of adoption can be a confusing and daunting place for anyone entering it for the first time. We’ve worked with experts to provide free information in the form of written and audio visual material that can be digested in bite-sized chunks and accessed via tablets or mobiles.”

Lizzie, from Bristol, who adopted a fouryear-old girl with her partner Sarah says they felt supported from the start of the process. “Our agency was really positive from day one, especially of us as same- sex adopters. In the group being assessed alongside us were two gay couples, two single adopters and two straight couples”.

Lizzie is also convinced that their choice to adopt was the right one: “Amy just fits right into our family and it’s as if she’s always been with us. We know we made the right decision to adopt her every time she smiles.”

For Manchester-based Neil and Martyn, the journey to adopting three-year-old Jackson was a process of self-discovery. “Becoming adoptive parents involves looking at your own childhood, your personality and your lifestyle,” says Neil. “Through talking to our adoption social worker, Martyn and I found out things about ourselves and each other that we’d never discussed before. Most importantly the process has strengthened our relationship and made us more aware of Jackson’s needs and our ability to meet them. Deciding to adopt is definitely the best thing we’ve ever done.”

Gemma says she is encouraged by the response of the LGBT community to the idea of adopting and she urges more LGBT people to come forward: “If you think you could offer a child a loving home, or if you have a question about the adoption process, pick up the phone and our friendly advisors will be able to give you the information that you need.” Get in touch with First4Adoption today on 0300 222 0022 or via www. first4adoption. org. uk. You can also keep up to date with the latest adoption news by following First4Adoption on Twitter @ First4Adoption or via Facebook First4Adoption.