‘We cannot imagine life without our son’ say same-sex couple as they back adoption drive
THE first gay couple in Scotland to get the go-ahead to adopt have encouraged other same-sex couples to offer a child a loving home and family.
With thousands of children in Scotland waiting to be adopted or fostered, adoption agencies are now actively seeking gay and lesbian couples to step forward.
James and Neil Smith are backing the campaign and tell of the story of the adoption of their little boy, Samuel, so that other gay couples will follow in their footsteps. In 2009 access to adoption was widened by Holyrood decree to include gay and lesbian couples.
Same-sex couples were also granted the right to be considered as foster parents on the same basis as everyone else.
For the Smiths, it was the answer to their dreams of having a family, and they became the first same-sex couple to be approved for adopting a child – going through the process with Glasgow City Council.
James, 39, a chief executive of the charity @Hillhead, and his partner Neil, 49, fostered Samuel that year when he was four years old and adopted him fully three years later.
James said: “We wanted to have a family. We looked into adoption and the first thought was ‘Can we do it?’
“At the time it was not legally possible, but the legislation was coming into place so Glasgow City Council said we could begin the process.”
It took two years to become successful while the relevant legislation was put in place, and the couple went through six rounds of assessments where every aspect of their lives was scrutinised.
Neil said: “The assessments were intrusive, but fair and thorough. Absolutely everything was covered. We were the first same-sex couple to go through it and they wanted to make sure there were no gaps anywhere. But everything was fine.”
James added: “Being parents is better than what we expected. Samuel is a fabulous, bright and inquisitive wee boy and we all have a loving relationship.
“We can’t imagine life without him, and it’s like he’s always been here.”
Samuel, 10, said: “It’s been amazing growing up with two dads.
“We have fun and when I go to school no-one has ever teased me about it.”