More LGBTQ+ people are needed to adopt or foster in Herefordshire.

LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week, which launches today, calls for more people from the LGBTQ+ community to consider both, in the face of an urgent national need for more adoptive parents and foster carers.

The campaign is led by the charity New Family Social and supported by Herefordshire Council. New Family Social brings together adoption and fostering agencies with prospective applicants from the LGBTQ+ community.

In England, there are some 83,630 looked-after children. Last year, 1 in 5 adoptions in the country were to same-gender couples, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ adopters.
 
Councillor Ivan Powell, Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“We encourage Herefordshire’s LGBTQ+ residents to consider fostering and adoption. We know the skills and qualities that make people good parents and carers are not defined by sexual orientation or gender identity, so if you feel you can make a difference to a child or young person’s life come and join our family of foster carers. It’s a rewarding journey, and we’ll support you every step of the way.”

Tor Docherty, Chief Executive of New Family Social, said:

“LGBTQ+ people in the UK can and do adopt and foster, but our country’s most vulnerable children need more of us to come forward. You’ll help a child find and forge their identity, changing their life, and yours, for the better.”

If you are LGBTQ+, you can find out more about adopting or fostering at a free webinar on Tuesday 4 March, hosted by New Family Social. Join the charity for free to register and find out more.

For more information about fostering in Herefordshire, visit the council's website, call 01432 383240, or email fostering@herefordshire.gov.uk

For more information about adoption, visit the ACE Adoption website.