LGBTQ+ adoption
If you are LGBTQ+ and thinking about adopting a child, or would like to know more information about adoption, PACT is here to help!
PACT is one of the largest adoption charities in England and was rated as outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023. We recruit, prepare, approve and support adoptive parents for children in care who are waiting for adoption.
Last year, 29% of parents who adopted through PACT identified as LGBTQ+. We welcome enquiries from people living within a 50 mile radius of our locations in Reading, Oxford, London, Milton Keynes and Brighton.
PACT is a partner agency with LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering charity New Family Social and LGBTQ+ people starting the adoption process with PACT can obtain free gold membership.
Frequently asked questions about same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ adoption
Is same-sex adoption legal in the UK?
Yes, same sex adoption is legal in the UK. The Adoption and Children Act 2002 allows same-sex couples and individuals the right to adopt. In 2024, 20% (580) of children were adopted by same sex couples (either in a civil partnership, married or neither).
What is the eligibility for LGBTQ+ adoption?
To be eligible to adopt in the UK, same-sex couples and individuals must meet the same criteria as heterosexual couples and individuals.
This criteria includes:
- Being over 21 years old.
- Having the ability to provide a stable and loving home for a child.
- Passing the necessary background checks and assessments.
Do I need to be married or in a civil partnership to adopt?
No, you don’t need to be married or in a civil partnership in order to adopt. As long as you’re able to provide a loving, stable home, you can adopt as a single person, married couple, or in an unmarried long-term relationship or civil partnership.
Can adoption agencies discriminate based on sexual orientation? What are the gay adoption rights?
No, adoption agencies cannot discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation. By UK law, adoption agencies must treat everyone fairly and equally. At PACT, we positively welcome anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and would like to find out more about becoming a parent through adoption.
What steps are involved in the same-sex adoption process?
The adoption process follows the same steps for all prospective adopters:
- Find a local authority, regional adoption agency or voluntary adoption agency (such as PACT) and make an initial enquiry.
- Undergo assessments, including checks, interviews, and home visits. A panel will then review your case and decide whether to approve you as an adopter.
- Once your adoption application has been approved, the agency or authority will begin the process of matching you with a child.
- If you are matched, you will begin introductory visits with the child or children before they come to live with you.
- After a minimum of 10 weeks, you can apply for an Adoption Order in court. This is the final legal step making you the child’s permanent legal parent(s).
How long is the LBGTQ+ adoption process?
It is likely to take about six to eight months to get approved as an adopter. It can then take a few more months to have a child placed with you and then an additional several weeks to up to a year in court to finalise the adoption order.
In many cases, the full adoption process can take roughly ten months to eighteen months, or possibly longer in some cases.
What adoption support can same-sex couples receive?
All PACT adopters are entitled to PACT’s post adoption support and training and access to our online Children And Trauma Community Hub and PACT’s specialist therapeutic service FACTS.
We recommend that you download our Guide to Adoption as a first step and then come to one of our free information events.
We are sure you will have lots of questions about whether you are suitable or what the adoption process involves. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the adoption process but you can also contact our friendly enquiries team by filling in this form or calling 0300 456 4800. Lines are open 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-1pm on Saturday.
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.
Blog: Brighton Pride 2020
Each year we attend Pride events around the south east of England to chat with people who are thinking about becoming parents. While we missed out on some of these events during the Covid-19 pandemic, we look forward to being back soon to wave our flags, celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities and talk to more people about adopting with PACT. Read our blog post about Brighton Pride by PACT’s Events and Marketing Manager, Sam Ward.
Case studies from some of our LGBTQ+ adopters
