Recruiting, assessing and supporting lesbian and gay carers and adopters

Book | £9.95 | Available from BAAF

For many lesbians and gay men who are considering parenthood, adoption or fostering is their first choice, but they have often been regarded as a "last resort" by family placement agencies. Although there are a growing number of lesbians and gay men who are applying to adopt or foster, or are successfully caring for children, they remain an under-used resource. With a national shortfall of adoptive and foster placements, agencies need to ensure that they do not deter lesbian and gay applicants from coming forward as potential carers – and that they work effectively and successfully to assess and support gay and lesbian applicants.

What is the legal position on adoption and fostering by lesbians, gay men and same-sex couples? How can agencies successfully recruit and support lesbian and gay adopters and carers? What issues need to be considered when assessing gay men and lesbians as carers/adopters?

This Good Practice Guide reviews the research, the relevant English, Welsh and Scottish legislation, and the policy and practice issues surrounding these questions. It also discusses:

  • lesbian and gay identities;
  • how the development of policy and legislation has affected the lives of gay men and lesbians and influenced perceptions of them as parents and carers;
  • the myths and prejudices that influence attitudes towards lesbians and gay men, particularly to them as carers and parents;
  • relevant research on lesbian and gay parenting;
  • recruiting lesbian and gay adopters/carers; issues of best practice at all stages of the assessment process;
  • how social workers can support lesbian and gay adopters and carers more effectively.

With a wealth of practical guidance for those conducting assessments and working with lesbian and gay foster and adoptive families, this guide will be of great help to social workers, social work managers, and all those involved with the recruitment, assessment and support of gay and lesbian foster carers and adopters.

Text is courtesy of BAAF.