LGBTQ+ Adoption
1 in 5 adoptions in England are with LGBTQ+ single people and couples. You might have just started to think about the possibility of LGBTQ+ adoption. What will it mean for you? Who will offer you support? Who are the children you could be welcoming into your home?
Thinking about adoption?
We understand that people identify themselves in different ways. We welcome applications from all LGBTQ+ people; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other identities. We use LGBTQ+ to be inclusive.
If you are an LGBTQ+ person and are thinking about adopting a child, or would like more information about adoption, Adopt London is here to help you. We prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children across London. We positively encourage applicants who identify as LGBTQ+.
Did you know:
- You can be single and adopt
- With adoption for LGBTQ+ couples, you do not need to be in a Civil Partnership or married to adopt – you just need to show that you are living together in a long-term relationship
- You must be aged 21 or over, but there is no upper age limit as long as you are able to cope with the rigours of parenting and to support a child through to their adulthood
Every adoption applicant is assessed on their relevant qualities and capacity to meet the needs of the children we currently have waiting. Your marital status, ethnicity, culture, age, disability, sexuality or gender will never be a barrier. It’s about your ability to provide a loving, stable home for the London children we have waiting.
“It was a really positive experience, and the assessment went well. We were not treated differently from any other prospective adopter” – Tom, LGBTQ+ adopter
Learn more about Tom's same sex couple adoption
Join New Family Social for free today
Adopt London is proud to be a member of New Family Social, the UK’s leading charity, providing a support network for LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers. This means all LGBTQ+ families and individuals working with Adopt London can receive free membership.
New Family Social was formed and is run by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers who have been through the process, have children and have experienced the joys and sometimes challenges that previously looked-after children bring. They can put you in touch with other adopters, support you through your entire adoption journey, and provide exclusive access to articles and podcasts. They also provide face-to-face and virtual meet-ups across the UK with like-minded peer groups; from chatty coffee mornings to informative webinars and annual camping trips. You can sign up for free today.
We encourage you to use this free membership as an opportunity to build support networks, gain experience in looking after children if you don’t already have some, and as a resource to address any questions or concerns.
Join New Family Social
Our children
We are currently prioritising adopters for our children aged 2-6 years old who have complex needs due to their early life experiences, sibling groups, babies and children under 2 years old who need a family via the Early Permanence scheme, and Black African, Caribbean and mixed ethnicity children.
Learn more about our children
LGBTQ+ adoption FAQs
How many gay couples adopt? +
1 in 5 adoptions in England are with gay couples and single people from the LGBTQ+ community. It’s safe to say that LGBTQ+ people play an important role in adoption.
Can a gay single man adopt? +
Yes, gay single men are warmly welcomed to adopt. What matters most is your ability to offer a safe, loving, and supportive home to a child. Your sexuality or relationship status will never be a barrier to your adoption journey.
Will being an LGBTQ+ person affect the type of child I can adopt? +
No, being an LGBTQ+ person will not affect the type of child you can adopt. Matching is based on the child’s needs and your ability to meet them, no matter your sexuality or identity.
Are there support services specifically for LGBTQ+ adopters? +
We’re proud to be a member of New Family Social, meaning that all the LGBTQ+ families and individuals working with us receive a free membership, which provides a peer community, support and guidance specific to LGBTQ+ adopters. Find out more about New Family Social.
What if I’m transgender or non-binary - can I adopt? +
Whatever your identity, all gender identities are welcome to adopt. Your experience and stability are what matter most when being assessed.
Is the adoption process different for LGBTQ+ applicants? +
No, the adoption process is no different for LGBTQ+ applicants. The assessment and approval process is the same for all prospective adopters.
Will my relationship be recognised equally in the adoption process? +
Yes, same-sex couples in a relationship, civil partnerships or marriages are treated exactly the same as heterosexual couples.
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