The LGBTQ+ Guide to Adoption from St David's Adoption Service

LGBTQ+ GUIDETO ADOPTION

FOREWORD

TheLGBTQ+AdoptionGuidebyStDavid'sisaninvaluable resourceforthoseembarkingontheadoptionjourney

Withheartfeltinsightsfromadvocates,theguidewarmly addressesconcerns,promotinganinclusiveandsupportive atmosphere Ithighlightspositiveaspectssuchasembracing diversity,navigatingfamilydynamics,andchallengingsocietalnorms.

Byopenlydiscussingmentalhealth,medicalconsiderations,andpracticalitieslikeemploymentand housing,StDavid'sensuresaholisticunderstanding TheguidecelebratesthesuccessofLGBTQ+ placements,showcasingtheagency'scommitmenttodiversematches.Withupliftingnarrativesand practicalguidance,thisguidestandsasabeaconforhopefulLGBTQ+adopters,fosteringconfidence, resilience,andasenseofbelonging

LETTERFROM THECEO

AsCEOofStDavid’sAdoptionService,Iamproudtoreaffirmourcommitmenttoembracingacultureof diversityandinclusion. Wecelebratetheuniquenessofeveryadoptionjourneyatwhateverpointyou maybeonfrommakingthatfirstinitialenquiryaboutadoptiontoourpostadoptionsupportservices.

ThemissionofallwhoworkatSt David’sisclear:contributingtoourvibrantanddiversecommunityand ensuringthatwearethereforyoueverystepoftheway,celebratingtherewardsandnavigatingthe challenges.

WeinviteyoutoenjoyourguidetoLGBTQ+adoption,andwewelcomeyourfeedbackandany suggestionsforimprovement.

Jason Baker JASONBAKER,CEO

LGBTQ+ GUIDET0 ADOPTION

THE HISTORY

Adoptionlegislation,datingbackto1926,haslongshaped thelandscapeoffamilycreation.Fromstringentmarriage requirementstotheevolvingattitudestowardsLGBTQ+ individuals,thejourneyofadoptionrightsreflectssocietal shiftsandlegaladvancements Thisspreaddelvesinto thehistoricalnuancesofadoptionlegislation,exploring thechallengesfacedbytheLGBTQ+communityandthe stridesmadetowardsinclusivity

1926-1976:TheMarriageMandate

Datingbackto1926,adoptionlegislationdictatedthat onlymarriedcouplescouldadopt.TheAdoptionActof 1976continuedthistradition,maintainingthemarriage requirementwhileallowingsingleindividualstopursue adoption

1980s:TheShadowsofSection28

The1980smarkedaperiodwhereadoptionandfostering agenciesoftenrejectedLGBTQ+applicants Section28, enactedin1987/88,castashadowoverLGBTQ+rightsby prohibitingthe“promotion”ofhomosexualityinschools DespitetheensuingcampaignsagainstSection28,it instillednervousnesswithinadoptionagencies, perpetuatingdiscriminatoryviews.

1990s:MediaBiasandLegalShifts

Mediabiasintheearly1990s,fuelledbyhomophobiaand fear-mongering,intensifieddiscriminatorysentiments Legaldevelopments,however,sawtherightforchildren tobematchedwiththeadultswhocouldbestmeettheir need,includingLGBTQ+couplesandindividuals’ Despite theconstraintsoftheAdoptionAct1976,creative approachesallowedsame-sexcouplestonavigatethe adoptionprocess.

00s:StrugglesandLegislativeChange

erevocationofSection28in2000and2003in otlandandEngland&Wales,respectively,didnot mediatelytranslateintowidespreadacceptanceof BTQ+caregivers Thecontroversialdiscussions roundingtheAdoptionandChildrenAct2002 underscoredtheresistanceagainstLGBTQ+adoptions. TheAct,effectivein2005,finallyallowedunmarriedand same-sexcouplestoadoptjointly,thoughopposition persisted

Today:ProgressandChallenges

In2024,adoptionstatisticsreflectprogress,with1in8 adoptionsinNorthernIreland,1in5inEngland,and1in4 inWalesgoingtoLGBTQ+families StDavid'sAdoption Servicereportsapositivetrend,with30%ofplacements sinceApril2019beingtoLGBTQ+families.

TheFuture:ACommitmenttoEquality

Despitestrides,challengespersist,andinequalities remain.StDavid'sAdoptionServiceacknowledgesthe ongoingworkrequiredfortrueequality.Ourcommitment tolearningandimprovementunderscoresthe importanceofcontinuousprogress Associetyevolves, sotoodoesthenarrativeofadoptionrightsforthe LGBTQ+community.

MENTAL HEALTH

Intheadoptionassessmentprocess,agenciesare experienced,likeushereatStDavid's,inworkingwith individualswhomayhaveencounteredmentalhealth challenges Socialworkersfocusonunderstandingyour supportnetworkduringdifficulttimes,yourawarenessof mentalhealthsigns,medicationusage,anditsimpact.A mandatoryadoptionmedical,conductedbyyourGP, coversmentalhealthdiscussions

Referencesfromcounsellorsmaybesought,emphasising confirmationofdatesratherthanspecificdetails

Ensuringyourcapacity,support,andcopingtoolsduring stressfulparentingsituationsiscrucialforcreatingsafe environmentsforadoptedchildren

WhileLGBTQ+individualsmaybemoresusceptibleto suicidalbehaviourandself-harm,pastexperiencesdo notautomaticallyprecludeyoufromtheadoption process.Honestcommunicationwithyoursocialworker isessential Agenciesrecognisethatovercomingpast adversitiescanenhanceresilience,potentiallybenefiting thechild'sunderstandingoftheirownbackground. Researchsupportingthisconceptcanfurthercontribute toacomprehensiveunderstandingofadopterswithpast adversities.

"Amidst my mental health battles, the adoption path appeared daunting. Thanks to my St. David's social worker, it became a journey of hope and healing Together, we transformed challenges into the creation of our forever family"

MENTAL HEALTHSTATS

Statisticshighlightconcerningratesofmentalhealthchallengeswithinthe LGBTQ+community,emphasisingtheimportanceofaddressingthese issuesinthecontextofadoption.

AccordingtoStonewall(2018):

-52%ofLGBTindividualsreportedexperiencingdepressioninthepastyear

-13%ofLGBTQ+individualsaged18-24attemptedsuicideinthelastyear

-46%oftransindividualsand31%ofnon-transLGBindividualsconsidered suicideinthelastyear

-41%ofnon-binaryindividualsengagedinself-harminthelastyear

Research,includinginsightsfromMind(2020),indicatesthattheLGBTQ+ communityfaceshigherlevelsofpoormentalhealthduetofactorssuchas:

-Homophobia,biphobia,andtransphobia

-Stigmaanddiscrimination

-Challengingexperiencesrelatedtocomingout

-Socialisolation,exclusion,andrejection

RESOURCES

Stonewall

ThelargestLGBT+rightscharityintheUKwithamissiontoletalllesbian,gay, biandtranspeople,hereandabroad,knowthey’renotalone

Website:wwwstonewallorguk

Telephone:02075931850

Switchboard

SwitchboardisthenationalLGBTQIA+supportline.Foranyone,anywherein thecountry,atanypointintheirjourney.

Website:www.switchboard.lgbt

Telephone:08000119100

PERCEIVED BARRIERS

Embarkingontheadoptionjourneyoftencomeswith hesitationsandconcernsthatmayhinderindividuals fromtakingthefirststep AtStDavid's,weencourage opencommunicationandwarmlywelcomethose contemplatingadoption,assuringthemofour commitmenttohonestyandanon-judgmentalapproach

Startingtheadoptionprocessnecessitatesbeinginthe rightphaseoflife,consideringtheintensityofthejourney Reflectingonone'spast,includingchildhood,parenting experiences,education,employment,andpast relationships,isanintegralpartofthisprocess Somemay findthisself-reflectionchallengingandmaynotfeel preparedforitatagiventime

Inthisguide,weaimtoaddressspecificbarriersthat individualsfromtheLGBTQ+communitymight encounterbeforeinitiatingtheadoptionprocess While therearespecificeligibilitycriteria,suchasbeingover21, beinganon-smoker(includinge-cigarettesandvapes), andhavingatleastonesparebedroom,manyaspects requireindividualizeddiscussions.Criminalconvictions willbediscussedindetaillaterinthisinformationpack

Wethankallapplicantsfromdiversebackgroundswho approachushonestly Recognizingandaddressing potentialissuesattheoutsetenablesustoprovide timelysupport Theadoptionprocessreliesonapplicants' opennessandcandourwiththeiradoptionagency, fosteringareciprocalrelationshipwheretransparencyis valuedandreciprocated

Identityexplorationisaninevitableaspectofadoptedindividuals'lives,andweencourageadoptiveparentsto offerasupportivehandinguidingtheirchildrenthroughthesecomplexissues.LGBTQ+individuals,havingoften delvedintotheirownidentities,possessaheightenedempathyfortheirchildren'schallengesinthisregard A poignantillustrationofthisiscapturedinthevideobyNewFamilySocial,whereAlex,anadoptiveDad,eloquently shareshispersonaljourney,youcanwatchitHERE.

MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Everyprospectiveadopterundergoesanadoption medicalexaminationconductedbytheirGP Itsacrucial stepintheadoptionprocess Weacknowledgethatsome individualsmayfindmedicalsettingsuncomfortable:1in7 LGBTQ+peopleavoidingseekinghealthcareduetofear ofdiscrimination.

Tocompletetheadoptionmedical,youmustbe registeredwithaGPwhocanaccessyourrecordsfora comprehensiveevaluation.Themedicalassessment coversaspectsofphysicalandmentalhealth,alongwith lifestylemetricssuchasweight,smoking,andalcohol consumption It'simportanttonotethatthecostofthe adoptionmedicalisnotstandardized EachGPsetsa differentprice,soitisadvisabletocheckwithyour medicalpractice

Aftercompletingthemedical,yourGPwillforwardthe reporttous,afterwhichourMedicalAdvisorwillprovide recommendations Adoptionagenciesseekparentswith thetime,energy,andcapacitytosupportchildren throughouttheirchildhood.Anyidentifiedriskswillbe openlydiscussed,includinghowyouhaveaddressed similarissuesinthepast.It'sadvisabletoconsultyourGP orspecialistbeforeapplyingtoadoptifyou'veundergone treatmentforaseriousillnesstogaugetheirperspective onthetimingoftheapplication.

Regardingspecifichealthconditions:

HIV:Contrarytocommonmisconceptions,livingwithHIVdoesnotdisqualifyyoufromadopting Adoption agencies,likeourselves,treatHIVlikeanyothermanageablecondition AdiagnosisofHIVwillbeaddressedin theassessment,recognizingitasasignificantlifeeventrequiringdiscussionduetoassociatedchallengessuch asmentalhealth,familyrelationships,andpotentialmedicalcomplications

Autism:Withmorethan1in7LGBTQ+peopleintheUKontheautismspectrum,parentingwhileonthe spectrumpresentsuniquechallenges.However,italsobringsuniquestrengthsthatcanbevaluablein parenting.Theassessmentacknowledgesthedistinctaspectsofparentingontheautismspectrum, recognisingbothchallengesandstrengths.

DISABILITY

Itisrecognisedthatindividualswithdisabilitiescan provideanurturingandlovinghomeforchildren.

First4Adoption(2013)acknowledgesthatthelife experiencesofindividualswithdisabilitiescanoffera uniqueperspectiveintothelivesofchildrenincare,many ofwhommayperceivethemselvesas'different'orshare similardisabilities.

Livingwithadisabilitywithintheframeworkofpositive relationshipscanimpartvaluablelessonstochildren, emphasisingtheimportanceofinclusivityandfostering anappreciationfordifferences Aspreviouslymentioned, ifyouhaveconcernsorquestions,pleasereachouttous.

YourGPandanyspecialistsyouconsultcanprovide insightsintohowyourdisabilitymightimpactyour adoptionapplicationandyourabilitytoparentinthe future

Opencommunicationisvitaltounderstandingand addressinganypotentialconsiderationsrelatedto disabilityintheadoptionprocess.

FAMILY DYNAMICS

Throughouttheadoptionprocess,discussionsabout supportnetworksandfamilytreesmayarise,potentially causingconcernforthosewithfracturedorchallenging relationshipswithintheirbirthfamily It'scommonamong LGBTQ+individualstoforgenewchosenfamiliesthat providethenecessarysupport,love,andshared aspirations,allowingthemtoembracetheirauthentic selves.

Notably,39%ofsurveyedLGBTQ+individualsinan Americanstudyreportedfacingrejectionfromtheirbirth families(PewResearchCentre,2013),oftenduetononacceptanceoftheirLGBTQ+identityortheperceived inabilitytosafelycomeouttotheirbirthfamily.

Duringtheassessmentwithyoursocialworker,these dynamicswillbeexplored Whileyourchosenfamilymay offerabundantsupport,thedecisiontodistanceyourself frombirthrelativesisasignificantlifeeventthatmerits discussionandunderstanding.Yourlifeexperiences,both positiveandchallenging,willshapeyourapproachto parenting Forinstance,navigatingrejectionfromyour birthfamilymightequipyouwithinsightstosupporta childinunderstandingtheirpastandidentity

Researchincreasinglyemphasisestheimportanceand positiveimpactofchosenfamilies,notonlyforLGBTQ+ individualsbutalsoforthosefromdiverseethnic backgroundsandindividualswhohaveexperienced strainedrelationshipswiththeirbirthfamily Theadoption processrecognizesandvaluesthediverseways individualsformmeaningfulconnectionsandfindsupport structuresintheirjourneytowardsbecominglovingand capableparents

IN CONVERSATION

LewisFitzgerald,HeadteacheratRoathParkPrimarySchool,Cardiff, ontheschool’sinnovativeapproachestopromotingdiversityand inclusion,especiallyconcerningvariedLGBTQ+familystructures.

AsprospectiveLGBTQ+parents,variousaspectsofyourfuturechild'slifemaycauseanxiety,particularlyregarding thepotentialimpactofyourfamilystructureontheiracceptanceinsociety Onespecificareaofworrycouldbe howtheywillbereceivedwithintheschoolenvironment Intheever-evolvinglandscapeofeducation,thequestfor inclusiveanddiverselearningenvironmentsisparamount RoathParkPrimarySchoolinCardiffstandsasabeacon forsuchvalues InaconversationwithLewisFitzgerald,theHeadteacheratRoathPark,wediscusstheschool's innovativeapproachestopromotingdiversityandinclusion,especiallyconcerningvariedLGBTQ+family structures,whicharesharedwithschoolsacrossWales.

Lewisexplains,“atRoathParkPrimarySchool,diversityandinclusionaren'tjustbuzzwords they'rewovenintothe fabricofthecurriculum Regularteachingapproachesandlearningexperiencesaredesignedtoorganicallyexpose studentstotherichtapestryoftheircommunity Lessonsondiversity,inclusion,andfamilystructuresare seamlesslyintegratedintoRelationshipandSexEducation(RSE),citizenship,andPersonal,Social,Health,and Economic(PSHE)classes Real-lifeexamples,suchasphotosofdiversefamilieswithintheschoolcommunity,and inclusivereadingmaterialscreateaholisticunderstandingofdifferentfamilystructures.”

Hetalksabouthownavigatingquestionsorconcernsaboutdifferentfamilystructuresisapriority.“Theschoolhas institutedrobustpolicies,includingthe'PositiveRelationshipsPolicy,''HateCrimePolicy,'and'Learningand TeachingPolicy'Concernsareaddressedthroughthe'ComplaintsPolicy,'underscoringtheleadershipteamand theGoverningBody'scommitmenttorepresentingandrespectingeveryoneinthecommunity,includingLGBTQ+ families Prominentequalitystatementsfurtheremphasisetheschool'sdedicationtorespectingallprotected characteristics."LivingTogether,LearningTogether,GrowingTogether"isn'tjustamottoatRoathPark it'sawayof life.Theschoolactivelychallengespreconceptionsandprejudices,conductingfirst-handresearchandrelyingon factsratherthanopinions.Theleadershipteam,familyengagementofficer,teachers,andsupportstaffcollaborate tocreateagenuinelyinclusivecommunity.Opendiscussionsamongstudentsabouttheirfamiliesserveasa catalystforrichlearningexperiences”

WhileRoathParkPrimarySchoolhasrobustpoliciestoaddressteasingorbullying,Lewisemphasises,“the proactivemeasurestakentopreventsuchincidents Thecomprehensiveapproach,includinganinclusive curriculum,community-buildinginitiatives,andadherencetotheUNICEFConventiononnon-discrimination,aims tocreateanenvironmentwheredifferencesarecelebrated,nottargeted.”RoathParkPrimarySchoolservesasa shiningexampleofacommitmentprimaryschoolsaremakingtofosteringinclusivityandcelebratingdiversityin education.Lewis'sinsightsprovideaglimpseintoanenvironmentwherestudentsarenotonlyeducatedbutalso supportedandembraced,regardlessoftheirfamilystructure

CRIMINAL& LEGAL

All prospective adoptive parents are required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Even if applicants possess a current and updated DBS, St David's Adoption Service mandates a new check

Consistent with the theme of transparency throughout the early stages of adoption, it is crucial to disclose any past incidents that could appear on a DBS or may pose potential concerns St David's, like many adoption agencies, has a legal advisor on our panel who provides advice criminal or legal matters that may arise

For transgender applicants, the DBS Sensitive Applications Team can assist in navigating the challenges of presenting identity documents. A dedicated member of our team can guide you through the process.

Certain criminal convictions, particularly those involving crimes against children or violent offences, may prevent prospective adopters from progressing in the assessment. However, individuals with past incidents, especially those that occurred a long time ago, are encouraged to contact us for clarification.

Engaging in open conversations with your social worker helps all parties understand the context of these events, the lessons learned, and how they have shaped the person you are today Seeking clarity and discussing the details with us is vital for understanding how past experiences may impact the adoption process

SOCIETAL PERCEPTIONS

TheexistenceofLGBTQ+parentinghasalwaysbeena partofsociety,althoughithasgainedgreatervisibilityin recenttimes.Societyisprogressivelyevolvingtowards greateracceptance,encouragement,andintegrationofall typesoffamilies

Inthepastcoupleofdecades,therehasbeena noticeableshiftinthevisibilityoftheLGBTQ+community and,morespecifically,LGBTQ+families Outdated stereotypesandperspectivesregardingtheimpactof LGBTQ+individualsparentingchildrenaregradually fadingaway.High-profileLGBTQ+figuressharingtheir parentingexperiencesonsocialmedia,coupledwith academicresearch,contributetodismantlingoldbeliefs.

Anoteworthy2023study,forexample,comparedthe outcomesofchildrenraisedinLGBTQ+familiestothose innon-LGBTQ+familiesinvariousdomains Theresults revealedstrikingsimilarities,withchildrenfromLGBTQ+ familiesevenoutperformingtheirpeersincertainareas likeacademicperformance(Zhangetal,2023)

Whilediscriminationstillexists,theincreasedvisibilityof LGBTQ+familiesischallengingsocietalnorms.StDavid's AdoptionServicehassuccessfullyplacedchildrenwith LGBTQ+familiesacrossbothruralandurbanareasin Wales.Thisdemonstratesourcommitmenttoinclusivity andhighlightsthediverseregionsinwhichwehave successfullymatchedfamilies,offeringabroadand welcomingspectrumofopportunitiesforprospective adopters

SinceApril201929%ofapprovedStDavid’sfamilies haveidentifiedasLGBTQ+,witha UKaverageof1667%

St David'shasobservedthatLGBTQ+adoptersoftendemonstrateagreaterwillingnesstoconsiderplacements perceivedasmorecomplex LGBTQ+familiestendtoembraceahigherproportionofsiblinggroups,children aged4andabove,andthosewithmoreintricateneedsanduncertaintiescomparedtotheirheterosexual counterparts

IN CONVERSATION

WecatchupwithDamian,oneoftwodadswhoadoptedthroughStDavid's, andaskhimabouttheirjourney.Addressingchallenges,heemphasizes opencommunication,leveragingStDavid'ssupport,andcreatingan inclusiveenvironment.Damian’snarrativeoffersinspirationtoLGBTQ+ individualsconsideringadoption.

Whatmotivatedyoutopursueadoption,andhow didyoudecideitwastherightpathforyourfa consideringyourLGBTQ+identity?

Beingtwodads,theoptionsforustostartafami limited Inmanyways,thishelpedmakethedeci easierforusonhowtogoaboutit,astheoption adoptionorsurrogacy.Ourdecisionwasbasedo things:onethatwewantedtobecompletelyequ parentsandnothaveonebeingbiologicallyrelat theotheronenot,andtwoweknewthereweres manywonderfulchildrenouttherewhoneedafa lovethem,andweknewwehadmorethanenou toshare

Sothatwasit,thedecisionwasmade,adoptionwasthe wayforwardforusandsowereachedoutStDavid’sto introduceourselves

Canyoushareanyuniquechallengesorexperiences youfacedasagayadopterthroughouttheadoption process,andhowdidyounavigatethem?

Therearemomentswhenyouwillhaveself-doubt. Sadly,societydoesnotreflectthestatistics,despite samesexadoptersincreasingyearonyear Parenting asaconstructisstillveryheterosexuallyperceivedbe thatinadvertisingorthemediawhichinfluences people’sbiasofwhatmakesafamily.

Whenthesemomentsoccur,firstly,theyaretotallynormaland secondlytalkthemthroughwithyoursocialworker StDavid’swork withmanyLGBTQ+adopters,soaremorethanequippedtoanswer yourquestions Theyalsorunabuddyschemewheretheyintroduce youtoothersamesexparentsinasimilarpositiontoyourself.We benefittedmassivelyfromthisasitwasgreattomeetpeoplewhohad livedexperienceandwhowereabletoapplythedaytodayofbeinga samesexparenttothemorehypotheticallearning

HowdidyouapproachdiscussingyourLGBTQ+identitywiththe adoptionagency,andwerethereanyspecificconcernsor questionstheyhadforyou?

Wewerejustveryhonestfromthebeginning,andIthinkthatput everyoneatease Youcan’tadoptifyouaren’tpreparedtobeopen Theassessmentprocessisveryreflectiveofyourselfandyour relationship,andrightlyso Theyareworkingtomatchyouwithachild tobuildaforeverfamily,soit’simportanttogetitright.Themoreopen andcomfortableyouarefromthebeginningthemoreyoucanrelax intoitandfindpocketsofjoythroughout.

Inwhatwayshaveyoucreatedasupportiveandinclusive environmentforyouradoptedchildren,especiallyintermsof understandingandembracingdiversefamilystructures?

Therearesomanyincredibleresourcesouttherenow Wehave severalage-appropriatebookswhichaddresssamesexfamilies,race, andmisogyny ThereisalsogrowingrepresentationonTVandfilm (screen time is not bad – that is a myth and can be a saving grace when you just want to go to the bathroom in peace!) Thisvisibilityhas helpednormaliseallfamilymake-upsandforourchildrentofeelseen andrepresentedinmainstreammedia

It’salsoimportanttobereallyopentoquestions Childrenarenaturally inquisitive,theyareconstantlylearningabouttheworldaroundthem, soletthemaskquestionsandbeconfidentinresponding Ifyoudon’t knowtheanswerit’sOKtosayyoudon’t Nothingsoffthetableand youcanalwaysfindout.

Wearealsogoodfriendswithalotofothersamesexparentswith adoptedchildren,sowe’vecreatedanetworkofsupport,manyofwho wasintroducedtousthroughStDavid’s.

Canyouprovideinsightsintoanypositivemomentsormilestones inyouradoptionjourneythatmayinspireorreassureotherLGBTQ+ individualsconsideringadoption?

Therearemoreofusthanyouthinkwhichbecomessoblaringobvious whenyouareinit

EMPLOYMENT & MONEY

Stonewall's2017survey,'LGBTBritaininWork,'revealed that18%ofLGBTQ+individualsdonotopenlydiscuss theirsexualityintheworkplace.Additionalresearch indicatesthatuptoaquarterofLGBTQ+youngadults maychoosenottodisclosetheiridentitywhenstartinga newjob(JustLikeUs,2023) Theprocessofapplyingto adoptmayalsopromptunhelpfulandunsolicited questionsfromemployersandcolleagues

StDavid’s,likeallagencies,requestsreferencesfromyour currentemployerandanypreviousemployerwhereyou workedwithchildrenorvulnerableindividuals.Thiscan understandablycauseanxietyaboutyouremployer's learningofyouradoptionplans.However,referencesto currentemployersareusuallyrequestedinStageTwoof theadoptionassessment,(unlessyouworkwithchildren andorvulnerableadults)givingyouampletimeto understandtheprocessmorefullybeforehavinga conversationwiththem TheNationalAdoptionService providesatoolkitforemployers,explaininghowadoption impactstheirbusiness,whichyoucansharewithyour employer Ifyouareself-employed,areferencewillbe soughtfromyouraccountant.

WhiletheUKGovernment'sspecificreportsonLGBTQ+ andunemploymentarepending,a2021reportbythe ScottishLGBTcharity'LGBTHealthandWellbeing'found that66%ofsurveyedindividualshadexperienced unemploymentinthepast.Whileunemploymentisnota barriertoadoption,agenciesneedassurancethatplacing achildwithyouwillnotcauseunduefinancialstress affectingyourparenting Theadoptionprocessisfree withStDavid’s,withoccasionalcostssuchasthe adoptionmedicalandoverseascriminalchecks

Iffinancialconcernsarise,Money.comhasprovideda guidetoLGBTQ+personalfinancesthatmayoffer valuableinsightsandguidance.

HOUSING

Housingandaccommodationplayasignificantroleinthe adoptionassessmentprocess,withadoptionagencies prioritizingstabilityandsafety TheNationalLGBTSurvey 2018revealedthatLGBTQ+individuals,oftenrejectedby theirfamiliesaftercomingout,faceanincreasedriskof homelessness.Ifyouhaveahistoryofhomelessnessora transientlifestyle,weencouragehonestywithusto facilitateopendiscussions.

Adoptivefamiliescanresideineitherrentedorowned properties.Ifyouareinarental,areferencefromyour landlordwillbesoughttoensureasecuretenancy, minimizingthelikelihoodofrelocatingshortlyafterachild isplaced

Yourhomewillundergoahealthandsafetyassessment conductedbyyoursocialworkertoguaranteeits suitabilityforachild Anyidentifiedissueswillbe promptlydiscussed,providingyouwiththenecessary timetoaddressandcompleteanyrequired improvements Thisensuresthatyourhomeisasecure andwelcomingenvironmentforthechildtobeplacedin

CONTRIBUTORS

DANIELWARNER

DanisadedicatedSt David'steammember,joiningin2014 aftervaluableexperiencewithanotherfosteringandadoption charity.Passionateaboutcreatinginclusivedialogue,Dan ferventlybelievesinencouragingprospectiveadoptersfrom diversebackgroundstoparticipateactivelyintheadoption conversation Withacommitmenttofosteringawelcomingand supportiveenvironment,DanplaysavitalroleinSt.David's LGBTQ+guidetoadoption,ensuringthateveryonefeels empoweredandinformedontheiradoptionjourney.

SHAUNHOUCKE

Shaun,adevotedadvocateforLGBTQ+adoption,joinedSt David’sin2023.Heandhishusbandadoptedtheirson throughStDavid'sin2020,providinghimwithuniqueinsights intotheadoptionprocess.Committedtomakingapositive impact,Shaunbringsfirst-handexperiencetotheLGBTQ+ community.Hisjourneyinspireshimtocreateaninclusive spacewithinadoption,offeringsupportandguidanceto individualsandcouplesnavigatingthepathtoparenthood. Shaun'sadvocacyanddedicationmakehimavaluable resourceforthoseseekinginformationandconnectionwithin theLGBTQ+adoptioncommunity

SARAHCOLDRICK

SarahColdrick,legaladviserforAFKA,partoftheStDavid’s family,bringsawealthofexperiencetoourLGBTQ+guideto adoption Asanadoptiveparentofthreegrown-upchildren, shewitnessedaremarkableshiftinadoptionagencyattitudes andcourtdynamicsoverthepasttwenty-fiveyears.Sarah's uniqueperspectiveoffersvaluableinsightsintotheevolving adoptionlandscape,providingguidanceandunderstandingfor LGBTQ+individualsnavigatingtheadoptionprocess Her expertiseasbothalegalprofessionalandanadoptiveparent enrichesourguide,fosteringawarenessandsupportforthose embarkingonthetransformativejourneyofadoption.

CONTACT

StDavid’sAdoptionService 28ParkPlace,CardiffCF103BA

02920667007orinfo@stdavidscs.org

STAYINTHELOOP

FollowusonInstagram,Facebook&YouTube

DONATE

ThankyouforreadingthisfreeguidefromStDavid’s AdoptionService,wehopethatyoufoundituseful.

AsaregisteredCharityyoumayliketoconsider supportingtheworkofStDavid’s.Yourcontributionwill helpensurethateverychildwithanadoptionplanin Walesisplacedwithalovingfamilyandsupportedto reachtheirfullpotential.HERE