Gay and LGBTQ+ adoption in the UK
Same-sex couples, gay individuals, lesbian couples, bisexual and transgender people all have exactly the same right to adopt a child in the UK as anyone else. If you’re thinking about adoption and wondering whether your sexuality or gender identity could be a barrier – it isn’t. What matters is your ability to provide a safe, stable and loving home.
At PACT, we have a proud track record of supporting LGBTQ+ adopters. Around a third of the people who adopt through us identify as LGBTQ+, and we work in partnership with New Family Social, the UK’s leading network for LGBTQ+ adoptive and foster families – to make sure you have the community and support around you that you need, from first enquiry through to the lifetime of your adoption journey.
What are the gay adoption rights in the UK?
Gay couples and same-sex couples have equal adoption rights under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which came into full effect in December 2005. This legislation gave unmarried couples (including same-sex couples) the right to adopt jointly for the first time, placing them on exactly the same legal footing as married heterosexual couples.
Before 2005, same-sex couples could only get around this by having one partner adopt as a single person, leaving the other without legal parental status. The 2002 Act changed that permanently.
Since then, subsequent equalities legislation has strengthened those rights further. You cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity when applying to adopt. All adoption agencies, including PACT, are required by law to treat LGBTQ+ applicants equally, and many, including PACT, actively and positively welcome applications from the LGBTQ+ community.
In short: you do not need to be married or in a civil partnership to adopt as a same-sex couple. You simply need to demonstrate that you are living together in a committed, long-term relationship and that you can offer a child the love, stability and care they need.
Can gay couples adopt in the UK?
Yes. Gay couples (whether in a marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship) can adopt jointly in the UK. Both partners become the child’s legal parents from the point of adoption.
Single gay men and women can also adopt. There is no requirement to be part of a couple.
The assessment process is the same for LGBTQ+ applicants as it is for anyone else. PACT’s social workers will look at your life experience, your support network, your home and your capacity to care for a child who has experienced trauma and loss. Your sexuality is not assessed as a factor, it simply isn’t relevant to whether you can be a good adoptive parent.
Adopting with PACT as an LGBTQ+ couple or individual
PACT is an Ofsted Outstanding-rated independent adoption agency covering southern and central England. We’ve been supporting adoptive families for decades, and the LGBTQ+ community has always been part of who we are. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
We work with New Family Social. PACT is a proud partner of New Family Social, the UK-wide network run by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers. This partnership means LGBTQ+ applicants can tap into a peer community of people who have been through exactly what you’re going through – and come out the other side with their families.
We run a dedicated LGBTQ+ support group. Once you’re approved and your family is growing, you won’t be left to figure things out alone. PACT’s support group for LGBTQ+ adopters brings together LGBTQ+ families for peer support, shared experience, and connection with others who understand your journey.
We search nationwide. As an independent agency, PACT isn’t limited to children from one local authority area. We work with local authorities and regional adoption agencies across England, Scotland and Wales to find the right match for you – which means more children, and a better chance of finding the right fit.
We offer exceptional post-adoption support. Adoption doesn’t end when your child comes home – in many ways, that’s when the real work begins. PACT’s Strengthening Families Team, our FACTS (Family And Children Therapeutic Support) service, and our online Children And Trauma Community Hub (CATCH) are all available to support your family long after placement.
Frequently asked questions about gay and LGBTQ+ adoption
Can two gay men adopt a child together in the UK?
Yes. Two gay men can adopt jointly in the UK under the Adoption and Children Act 2002. Both will be recognised as the child’s legal parents from the point the adoption order is granted.
Can a single gay man adopt a child?
Yes. Single people (including single gay men and women) have always been able to adopt in the UK. Being in a couple is not a requirement.
Do you have to be married or in a civil partnership to adopt as a same-sex couple?
No. You don’t need to be married or in a civil partnership. You need to show that you are living together in a committed, long-term relationship and are able to provide a stable home for a child.
When was gay adoption legalised in the UK?
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 gave same-sex couples the legal right to adopt jointly for the first time. It came into full effect in December 2005.
Will being LGBTQ+ affect which children I can be matched with?
No. Matching is based on the needs of the child and your ability to meet them – not your sexuality or gender identity.
Is being LGBTQ+ treated any differently during the assessment?
No. The assessment process at PACT is the same for everyone. Your sexuality or gender identity will not be treated as a factor in your suitability to adopt.
Are there support groups specifically for LGBTQ+ adopters at PACT?
Yes. PACT runs a dedicated support group for LGBTQ+ adopters, and through our partnership with New Family Social, you also have access to a wider peer network of LGBTQ+ adoptive families across the UK.
Find out more about LGBTQ+ adoption
If you’re thinking about adopting, the best first step is to come and hear more. PACT runs regular online information events where you can hear about the adoption process from our social workers and from adopters who have been through it themselves – including LGBTQ+ families.
You can also call our friendly enquiries team on 0300 456 4800 or use our self-assessment tool to get a quick sense of where you stand.
Take the next step…
Read our adoption guide
Our Brief Guide to Adoption contains information about PACT and what to expect from the adoption process.
Contact our enquiries team
Get in touch with our friendly Enquiries team to find out more about adopting with PACT.
Come to an information event
Come to one of our online adoption information events and find out if adoption is right for you.
Meet Heather, PACT’s LGBTQ+ Champion
Meet Heather, PACT’s LGBTQ+ Champion.
In this role, she works closely with the LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering support organisation, New Family Social, to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and best practice. She is also on hand to answer any questions about adopting if you’re LGBTQ+.
Talking Adoption show
Hear our team chat about what makes LGBTQ+ people such great adopters and learn more about the process.
To see more videos in our Talking Adoption series, click below.
Karen’s story
We have made this short film featuring Karen, one of our LGBTQ+ parents.
Hear from LGBTQ+ families who adopted through PACT
