LGBT+ people now play a key role in Scotland in parenting some of our most vulnerable children. Scottish Adoption and Fostering have placed more children with LGBTQ+ families than any other Local Authority and Adoption/Fostering Agency in Scotland making Scottish Adoption and Fostering the Number 1 Adoption and Fostering Agency in Scotland for the LGBTQ+ Community. Vickie Foster, Practice Manager said

“This is something that Scottish Adoption is extremely proud of, we have worked closely with the LGBTQ+ community for many years, building up this relationship and trust and will continue to work with to support both the LGBTQ+ community and our LGBTQ+ families.”

In 2020 1 in 12 adoptions in Scotland were to same-sex couples. Research suggests that LGBTQ+ adoptive parents are more likely to adopt older children, sibling groups, or those with additional needs and disabilities than other adopters. While LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers bring a unique skillset to parenting, they also face distinct and separate support challenges to other adopters and foster carers.

To help our LGBTQ+ adopters Scottish Adoption and Fostering will take part in September’s campaign to raise awareness of new, unique content online that our adopters can access as the campaign takes place. Throughout the week this will focus on education. New Family Social – the UK’s charity for LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers – leads the campaign and says education is frequently a concern for them.

“Finding the right school for your child is a top priority for all parents. If you’re LGBTQ+ you’ll want to make sure your family is fully supported by the school’s policies and practices. You’ll also need to know that the schools on offer can meet your child’s additional needs. If you need to access help from your adoption or fostering agency, you’ll want clarity on what it can do for you,” says James Lawrence, New Family Social’s Head of Engagement & Communications.

Scottish Adoption is a member of New Family Social and offers free access to the charity’s services as part of its support package for its LGBTQ+ adopters.