Major UK Children's charity Barnado's says it's looking for more gay couples and individuals to come forward to enquire about adoption. In an interview this week with gay media site pinknews.co.uk, head of adoption for the charity, Carolyn Oliver, stated that the organisation would welcome more gay and lesbians as prospective parents. Oliver told pinknews she wants to ensure the LGBT community is aware of their adoption rights. She said: "There is a need for more parents, particularly for older children who are in the looked-after [care] system. We're looking for gay couples and individuals - many still don't realise that they can adopt and are reluctant to come forward to find out more." Oliver says that in some cases, same-sex couples could be highly suitable for children who have faced certain difficulties. "Maybe one of the strengths of gay and lesbian parents is that they often have experience of issues like discrimination and so can understand these kind of problems. Another advantage is that sometimes it's preferable to place children in a single-sex household." She added. Since the introduction of the Adoption and Children Act in 2005, permitting unmarried couples to adopt, the UK has seen a large increase in not only incidence but acceptance of gay and lesbian adoptive parenting. In stark contrast to Barnardo's open door policy to the LGBT community, religious adoption agency Catholic Care will go to the High Court next March to argue its case of banning gays and lesbians from its services. The agency is hoping to take advantage of a legal loop hole it says it has found, that would allow them to operate but refuse applications from gay men and women.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
