Yes, that's why we exist. Currently 1 in 5 adoptions in England (2024/25 data) are to LGBTQ+ families. The government states that you may be able to adopt a child if you’re aged 21 or over (there’s no upper age limit) and either: single / married/ in a civil partnership/ an unmarried couple (whether of the same or different gender) / the partner of the child’s parent

All adoption and fostering agencies like to see stability in applicants' relationships. Partners are interviewed during the approval processes, so the agencies will want to make sure that the unit you have is stable and loving. This typically means that if you've just started dating someone, the agencies will want to see some longevity to it prior to be accepted onto the approval process.

Not a problem. You can adopt as a single person. Assessing agencies will want to see that you've a strong and adequate support network. This is true for couples too, but more important for single people to be able to demonstrate.

Fostering and adoption agencies in the UK are increasingly aware of non-monogamous relationships. We offer training to professionals on assessing and supporting people in diverse relationships through the fostering and adoption processes.

Yes, asexual and aromantic people can adopt or foster in the UK - whether they're single or partnered. Your sexual orientation or identity doesn’t affect your ability to become an adopter or foster carer

No. You don’t need a gender recognition certificate in order to adopt or foster.

The main thing is to make sure your child/ren wouldn’t have to keep secrets about your gender or sexual orientation. Keeping secrets can be very triggering for looked-after children. Being ‘out’ looks different in different cultures. Maybe your relatives march at Pride alongside you, maybe they quietly include your partner in family events and celebrations. You don’t necessarily need to be out to estranged or distant family as they won’t interact with your child/ren.

Your medical history shouldn’t have any impact on your ability to foster or adopt as long as you meet the needs of an adopted or fostered child. Social workers will explore with you how you manage your condition and its impact on your day-to-day life. For long term fostering or adoption, they’ll want to be sure you can look after any child or children until they reach adulthood.

Yes. There's no legal age where you're deemed too old. However, agencies will be pragmatic. They want to ensure that you'll be fit and able to be look after a child who's placed with you until the child reaches adulthood.

It's true. Part of the challenge is that government statistics for fostering rarely - if ever - cover the sexual orientaton or gender identity of those who foster. That makes it harder to talk about LGBTQ+ people who do foster. Despite this, New Family Social focuses on highlighting more fostering news, stories and gaining new members. Rest assured our foster agencies that subscribe to our services actively court LGBTQ+ families to provide stable and loving homes for some of our society's most vulnerable children.

All of our subscribing agencies recognise the resilience and determination and the challenges that you have overcome. The law protects you and our agencies will welcome you.

Yes. All applicants will need some form of experience of looking after children. A common way is to babysit children of family and friends. Alternatively, you could volunteer at a local school or club. If you’re looking to adopt or foster a child within a particular age-range, it’s best to focus your childcare experience there first. Experience of childcare for a fostered or adopted child or a child with additional needs is a bonus.

You can be renting, or buying your own home. It can be a flat or a house. You don't necessarily need to have a spare bedroom. This'll depend on the agency, your situation and the age of any child/children you currently have or the age of the child/children who'll be placed with you. You don't need to have your own garden. Ideally there should be nearby parks and playgrounds.

All adults who'll be in regular contact with a child in your care will need to be included in any assessment discussions. It's likely someone living in the same house will be required to undergo some safeguarding DBS checks.