Foster for East Midlands is proud to support LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week, which begins on Monday, March 3, 2025. This annual campaign encourages more LGBTQ+ people to consider adoption or fostering, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving home.
LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week, led by New Family Social, works to dispel myths about who can adopt or foster while promoting the support available for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
In England, there were 83,860 looked-after children in 2024. At the same time, one in five adoptions in England in 2024 were to same-sex couples. These figures highlight the urgent need for more foster carers and adoptive parents, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, to provide stable and loving homes for children who need them most.
As part of the campaign, Sarah and Elizabeth, who adopted through Adoption East Midlands, have shared their experience as a same-sex couple. They describe it as the best decision they ever made and praised the support they received throughout the process. They have adopted siblings, recognising the importance of keeping brothers and sisters together. Elizabeth shared how their children naturally came up with their own names for them as parents, calling them "Tall Mum" and "Short Mum." Sarah emphasised the joy of seeing their children thrive and encouraged others to consider adopting sibling groups.
Long-time foster carers Lyn and Shelley have also opened their hearts and home to over 100 children. “We started fostering because we wanted to help children feel loved and safe. It’s like being a big family, where everyone is welcome,” says Lyn. Over the years, they have cared for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers, helping many transition into adulthood. One of their most cherished memories is taking a child to the seaside for the first time. “Seeing their excitement was magical,” recalls Lyn. Shelley adds, “Even small gestures, like a Christmas present or a party dress, can mean the world to a child. It shows them they matter.”
Shelley and Lyn emphasise that fostering is open to everyone, regardless of gender, background, or family structure. “Single mums, single dads, same-sex couples, and traditional families can all provide the loving and safe environment children need,” says Shelley. “What truly matters is a big heart, a sense of humour, and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations.”
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, said:
We are proud to support LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week and encourage more individuals and couples from all backgrounds to consider fostering or adoption. Every child deserves stability, care, and love, and initiatives like this help break down barriers and ensure that more children can find their forever homes. If you’ve ever thought about fostering or adopting, now is the perfect time to take that first step.
Join us for an Fostering and Adoption Information Event on Tuesday, 4 March, 6pm to 9pm at Derbyshire LGBT+, 25 Curzon Street, Derby, DE1 1LH. Register your place or see other events available on the webpage https://fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/events/Opens in new tab
Foster for East Midlands is a partnership of four local authorities Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Councils offering support and guidance to those interested in fostering. Anyone considering fostering can visit their webpage, call 03033 132 950 or email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.ukOpens in new tab.
Adoption East Midlands is a therapeutic, trauma-informed agency with a specialist adoption support service. More information is available on their webpage, social media channels, or call 0115 804 4567.
Other Adoption and Fostering information events for your diary:
Adoption information events, book on our webpageOpens in new tab:
• Wednesday, 13 March 12-2pm, online
Fostering information events, book on our webpageOpens in new tab:
• Thursday 6 March and 25 March, 12 noon - 1pm, online
• Wednesday 12 March, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Nottingham Central Library, Nottingham City, NG1 7FH
• Wednesday 19 March, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Chesterfield Fire Station Community Room, Chesterfield, S40 2WH