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Event to encourage LGBT adoption and fostering
The free drop-in event takes place during national LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week (March 5-11) and has been organised by CCS Adoption, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and Action for Children.
CCS Adoption are an Ofsted outstanding-rated agency in Bristol that finds families for the some 4,000 awaiting children in the UK, and their specialist and inclusive events aim to address the specific requirements of LGBT people.
is needed now More than ever
The week-long campaign, organised by New Family Social, is now in its tenth year. The theme of this year’s campaign is 10 Good Reasons and hopes to build on the significant increase seen since 2012 in LGBT adoption and fostering. People can support the campaign on social media by using #proudtoadopt and #proudtofoster.
While gay adoption has never been illegal, stigma and the lack of a supportive legislative framework has deterred some LGBT people.
There are a record numbers of LGBT people becoming adoptive and foster parents. Across England, Scotland and Wales, around one in ten adoptions are now by same-sex couples. The total number of adoptions by LGBT households is now approaching 3,000*.
Frances, a gay adoptive parent, said: “I adopted two children with my partner and we didn’t experience our sexuality being a barrier to us. Deciding to adopt has been the best decision we’ve ever made. We experience wonderful moments and tricky times like all parents and our children are proud of having two mums!”
The free event will be held at the Watershed from 6-8pm and invites people to learn more from LGBT+ Adopters and experienced adoption and fostering workers.
For more information, contact CCS Adoption at 0117 935 0005 or via email.
Read more: Five facts from Bristol’s hidden LGBT+ past
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