Can a gay couple adopt

If you are one of those 2 million LGBTQ individuals considering adoption, read on to learn more about same-sex adoption laws, the adoption process for LGBTQ couples and how American Adoptions can help you grow your family through adoption. Until , laws related to LGBTQ+ couples adopting children varied by state.

Some states granted full adoption rights to same-sex couples, while others banned same-sex adoption or only allowed one partner in a same-sex relationship to adopt the biological child of the other. Only 27 states and one territory have laws or policies that expressly prohibit discrimination in adoption based on sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a non-profit that works to achieve equality for all.

In most states, same-sex couples are allowed to jointly adopt a child, giving both parents equal legal rights and responsibilities. Second-Parent Adoption: Also known as stepparent adoption, this process allows one partner to adopt the biological or adopted child of their spouse or partner. Same-sex couples have the right to adopt in the United States. An adoption journey may have unique considerations for transgender, nonbinary, gay, and lesbian parents.

My partner Darryl and I met 10 years ago, in , at a conference in Blackpool. We had a whirlwind romance and were due to be getting married in We were well into wedding planning when the Covid pandemic hit, and everything was put on pause. This opened the opportunity to allow us to discuss our future even more and we kept talking about a child.

At the time, we both had concerns and doubts. Are we too old to be parents now? After lots of talking we decided it was the right time and started by researching adoption stories, advice and information about the process. We spoke to some adoption agencies, friends, family and our local authority. We decided to fill in a brief introductory form with Rotherham One Adoption Agency to start our journey.

Around 2 weeks later we heard back from Rotherham who then arranged an initial meeting with our social worker. In this introduction we started to form our working relationship and got to know each other better. In truth, the process can be a hard slog, so having a trusted social worker who can guide you throughout the process is so important.

Essentially, your social worker should be someone you would trust to understand all your personal details and eventually set you up with the right child. You will not be judged for doing this and it will help you in the long term. Something my partner and I found very stress-inducing were panel meetings. In our case, the first panel meeting which determined whether we were the right people to adopt, happened at the mid-point of the process.

Our second and final panel meeting happened once we had met our child, to review the match. It is important to look after your mental health at this point and if you struggle, speak with your friends, partner, your support, your social worker and if needed the many charities available to you such as You Can Adopt.

We were introduced to Aspen, a month-old baby girl with beautiful blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes. I can tell you now, at that moment it was sealed. Aspen had grandmothers who wanted to keep contact with her. We were so nervous about this. We were worried their expectations would be too much and Aspen may have too much family. We got to meet them, and we started a bond straight away.

The worry about homophobia and people treating her differently because she has 2 dads has yet to appear and Aspen has become a confident toddler. We constantly get compliments about how brilliant she is from teachers, friends and family and anyone who gets to meet her. She really has given us, her Daddy and Pops, meaning to our lives and eternal happiness.

One in 6 adoptions in England are to same sex couples. Your journey will have highs and lows, but your family is worth it.

where can gay couples adopt internationally

Get the right support behind you and make it your goal. To read about other adoption stories, or to find further information and support about adoption, visit You Can Adopt UK. Tags: adoption. By submitting a comment you understand it may be published on this public website.