Gay adopters & foster carers have key role to play

Worcestershire County Council's Adoption and Fostering Service is taking part in the first ever national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Adoption and Fostering Week. The campaign, which runs from February 20-26, will be celebrated by way of a drop-in event, allowing prospective LGBT adopters or foster carers to find out more about making a difference for a local child.

The LGBT drop-in will take place at Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Club, Worcester on Wednesday 22 February, 6-8pm. As part of their ongoing recruitment drive within the LGBT community, Adoption and Fostering Service staff, adopters and carers will be on hand to provide information and answer questions in an informal setting.

Organised by the LGBT charity network, New Family Social, this campaign follows their recent survey which identified that gay adopters and foster carers are being hailed by social workers for their significant strengths. At a time when adoption figures are at a 10 year low nationally, a new study shows lesbian and gay people often have the right mix of skills and experience to raise children who need a new start in life.

There are many myths surrounding adoption and fostering by both single gay applicants and same sex couples, and the Worcestershire County Council is keen to dispel rumours and provide clear information and support to those wishing to find out more.

Julie Elliot, Worcestershire County Council's Service Manager for Integrated Provider Services, Children's Services said: "We are proud to be supporting LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week. People's sexuality should not be seen as a barrier to them being able to adopt or foster, and we are keen to show people how much advice and support is available to them. We look forward to hosting an event that will allow prospective adopters and/or foster carers to find out more about how they can make a real difference to a child's life."

For those unable to attend the drop-in event, information packs can be requested by calling the Freephone number: 0800 633 5442 or online: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/adoption&fostering