Fostering & Adoption: Join LGBTQ+ Week 2026

Lancashire-based children’s charity, Adoption Matters, and their not-for-profit fostering service, Foster Care Matters, are supporting LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2026.

‘Now’s the time’ – this year’s theme focuses on the fact that there’s no such thing as the perfect time to adopt or foster.

There’s never a perfect time to adopt or foster, but with an urgent need for more enquirers to consider adoption or fostering, now’s the time to take the first steps.

The statistics show there is an urgent need for both foster parents and adopters across England:

• There are currently 3,000 children waiting for adoption, over half have waited 18 months or more.
• 54,820 children were living with foster families in March 2025 with over 6,000 more foster families needed

40% of Adoption Matters adopters approved in 2025 identified as LGBTQ+.

April, a solo adopter, from Liverpool, adopted her son with Adoption Matters in 2024, she commented:

“I had some worries about my own circumstances before I chose to adopt and take the plunge. Part of this was some concern about my own difficult childhood and upbringing and how that had impacted my life. Also, my age—I was 46 when I made my first phone call to Adoption Matters. I am also single and a gay woman. I thought that some of those things in combination might make me a less attractive option as an adopter to them.

It turns out that it was the exact opposite. I remember picking up the phone and saying all of this, and the person I spoke to at Adoption Matters saying, ‘brilliant, it sounds like you’ve got a lot going for you!’

I would urge people out there to not put it off, find out more; now really is the time!”

Daniel, also a solo adopter, adopted his son with Adoption Matters in 2025. He comments:

“Take the plunge, make the call! You can go at your own pace throughout the process and stop for a break at any time! I had a 2-month break to travel Australia and New Zealand between stages 1 and 2 without any pressure or issues! So, what’s stopping you from taking that first step? You will never regret it!!

One year after starting the process, my son has moved in, and I couldn’t imagine life without him. Take that first step! My only regret is not making it sooner!”

Morgan and Derry are a married couple who adopted their son Zac in 2024, who is now nearly 7-years-old. Morgan commented:

“Adoption is a leap of faith so don’t wait for a sign; let now be your sign.”

Foster Care Matters foster parents, Luke and Zach, were approved in 2025, they commented:

“Deb our Family Matching Co-Ordinator at Foster Care Matters, consistently made us feel that she was in our corner and genuinely wants the best outcome for both us and the children when looking for a match.  Throughout our enquiry and assessment, we couldn’t fault Foster Care Matters and we’d urge others out there, to find out more, don’t put it off, find out more today!”

LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week is led by New Family Social, the UK’s peer-support charity for LGBTQ+ adopters, foster carers and special guardians, Adoption Matters and Foster Care Matters are proud members allowing all their LGBTQ+ adopters and foster parents free membership.

Susy White, Adoption Matters Chief Executive, has emphasised the charity’s support of the campaign:

“We know from experience that people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community come forward to adoption and fostering with a real enthusiasm.

In 2025, 40% of our approved adopters identified as LGBTQ+ and we are so proud to be supporting LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week once again.”

Karen Palfreyman, Foster Care Matters Fostering Service Manager, shared:

“Sexuality isn’t an important factor when it comes to fostering or adopting, but what is important is that you have the commitment, resilience, stability, and love to provide to children. We welcome and encourage inquiries from individuals, couples, and families from all different communities.”

Both agencies are hosting an online information event during the week:

Foster Care Matters  – Tuesday 3 March at 6:30pm more details here: https://fostercarematters.org.uk/event/online-fostering-information-event/

Adoption Matters – Wednesday 4 March at 7pm – more details here: https://www.adoptionmatters.org/event/info-event-04-march/