Gay couple adoption
Intercountry Adoption
Like all U.S. citizens considering intercountry adoption, LGB persons, and same-sex couples must comply with the laws and regulations governing adoption and immigration in the child's country of origin and in the United States.
U.S. federal statute does not prohibit LGB U.S. citizens or homosexual couples from being adoptive parents. However, some foreign countries do not authorize LGB individuals or gay couples to adopt. When deciding to pursue intercountry adoption, prospective parents should be sure to study whether the country they are interested in adopting from permits adoption by LGB persons or couples.
The Department of State includes adoption eligibility requirements for specific countries in the Country Information section of our website, including facts on laws surrounding LGB adoptions when that knowledge is available. Where this information is not included on the relevant state page, prospective parents may consult a U.S. accredited adoption service provider (ASP) that works in the country of interest or the relevant adoption authorit
LGBTQ+ Adoption
Some recommended reading
We suggest the following books about LGBTQ+ parenting and adoption to broaden your awareness of adoption and mature your understanding of the needs of children waiting. These will provide excellent insight into the task ahead, and offer suggestions on the parenting styles. Other resources are listed on our Resources page.
Lesbian and Gay Fostering and Adoption edited by Stephen Hicks & Janet McDermott. Presenting a collection of personal accounts of lesbian and gay parents from many different social and ethnic backgrounds, it is crafted to dispel misconceptions and encourage gay men and lesbians who are thinking about adopting or fostering children.
Fatherhood For Gay Men by Kevin McGarry. This is the story of one man&#;s journey down the road less traveled—a available gay man adopting and raising his two sons. McGarry recounts his alley into parenthood after years of having his organic fathering instincts stifled by the limits—real and perceived—of being gay. This unusual book details the passionate, financ
Same-Sex Adoption in Maryland
In , Maryland legally required health insurers to offer fertility treatments as a benefit regardless of sexual orientation and to protect queer couples’ parental rights. The state’sgay adoption lawsalso protect the adoption rights of same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Same-Sex Adoption in Virginia
The declare of Virginia has no explicit prohibition on gay adoption by same-sex couples or second-parent adoptions, unlike many U.S. states that still have not revised their laws. However, in , Virginiapassed two bills into lawthat allow mention adoption agencies to use religious grounds to refuse homosexual couples who hope to adopt. We can help you find an agency that is Queer friendly.
Same-Sex Adoption in Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia has strict laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples from creature discriminated against when adopting or hunting ART options. Queer and lesbian adoptions undergo the identical processes as a heterosexual couple adoption in DC.
The adoption process
Andi and Darren contain careers in education and social care, so were familiar the adoption process on paper but there were still surprises: “Neither of us were prepared for how much of our mental space that the process would consume.”
“Meetings with social workers often felt like therapy where you are reliving and retelling stories from your past. I personally didn't appreciate how difficult I would find the matching part of the process, particularly our second adoption, where we had to be increasingly mindful of the level of need we took on, as we already had a child with complex needs.”
Andi has discovered new things about himself through taking on the challenge of parenting: “I think I’m far more resilient than I ever knew I was! I’ve got a authentic fire in my belly when it comes to making sure my kids get the adequate support that they need and deserve.”
LGBTQ+ Adoption
According to the Department for Education, 1 in 5 adoptions in England in were by same-sex couples. Northern Ireland had 1 in 8 adoptions to same-sex couples in and figures for Scotland