Child charity calls for more gay adopters

Adding to concerns that race is acting as a barrier to adoptions, a poll commissioned by the children's charity released this week during Barnardo's Fostering and Adoption Week, shows that 35 per cent of people in Yorkshire do not think gay couples can parent as well as heterosexual couples.

Only 3.75 per cent of children adopted in England in 2010 were adopted by same sex couples, yet children are still waiting to be adopted, with a quarter of those with adoption plans never finding a family.

Director for Barnardo's Yorkshire, Steve Oversby, said: "The poll not only highlights a disturbing and prevalent belief system, but also a deepening concern that children in the care system are continuing to lose out on potential parents.

"Society's attitude plays a pivotal role in discouraging people from considering adoption. The idea that gay parents are second best must be challenged. To suggest that a same-sex couple is not as able to raise a child as a heterosexual couple is at once absurd and unsubstantiated. To continue to discourage potential adopters simply because of their sexual orientation is severely diminishing the chances of securing loving, stable homes for the children who are waiting. This debate needs to be urgently raised and myths surrounding how sexuality, race, marital status and gender can affect your parenting dispelled."

Marcel and Meryl from Yorkshire became adoptive mothers to their two sons, now 17 and 18, through Barnardo's. In response to the poll results, Marcel said: "I think the boys would have something very strong to say about that. I feel the result is based in ignorance because nobody knows if they are going to be good parents and no child comes with a manual so everybody does the best they can – I don't think a same sex couple is going to find that any different to a heterosexual couple."

Barry and David are in the process of being approved as Barnardo's adopters, they said: "Love is love at the end of the day. There is nothing we can't offer a child that a heterosexual couple can. We live next door to a couple who didn't see how two men adopting would work for a child but once we spoke to them and told them how we felt and what we could offer the children it really changed their view and now they are excited for us."

Barnardo's Yorkshire's Adoption, Fostering and Short Breaks service wants to hear from anybody who is interested in finding out more about adoption. Barnardo's does not exclude anyone from consideration on the grounds of sexual orientation, race, marital status, gender, disability or employment status. To find out more about adoption and fostering, visit www.barnardos.org.uk/fostering and adoption or call 0870 240 8342.

Fund in memory of founder

A NOT-FOR-PROFIT fostering agency is marking its 10th anniversary by launching a special fund in memory of one of its founders.

Sheffield-based Team Fostering, has set up the Peter Richardson Fund. It will give out small amounts of money to help looked-after youngsters take part in certain activities.

Peter Richardson died two years ago and the fund will be launched with a gift of 500 to a teenager who is trying to raise money to go on a trip to Peru to help young people in that country.

www.teamfostering.co.uk or call 0114 261 7762.

There is nothing we can't offer a child that a heterosexual couple can.

Barnado's is calling for more same-sex couples to adopt and foster children. Catherine Scott reports.