Jargon buster Tummy mummy: an easy term instead of birth mother that young kids understand Forever family: a child’s adoptive family are known as their forever family to acknowledge the permanent bond between them Life story work: a story book with, where possible, photographs of each child’s journey from birth through foster care to their…
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The adoption process in 10 steps
Here’s a breakdown of the adoption process. This may vary depending on your agency but these are the likely steps involved. Step 1: preliminary enquiry Make contact with a local adoption team through your council, a charity or other adoption organisations. They will ask you a few questions to establish whether you are eligible,…
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A lesbian granny and a granny of lesbian mums
Modern grandparenting Many grandparents help their children out by looking after the grandkids regularly, but there’s far more to grandparenting than just family favours and saving money. We hear from two grandmothers who have forged a friendship through their common commitments. Maureen and Fiona meet up every week with their grandchildren. Maureen Wright, 60, lives…
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What to expect from the adoption process
A step-by-step guide Here’s a breakdown of the adoption process. This may vary depending on your agency but these are the likely steps involved. Step 1 Preliminary enquiry Make contact with a local adoption team through your council, a charity or other adoption organisations. They will ask you a few questions to establish whether you…
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LGBT Adoption & Fostering: myth & jargon buster
Myth buster There is no legal minimum age (although some services have their own policy such as over 21) There is no official upper age limit You can be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Single people can apply as much as married or unmarried couples or couples in a civil partnership You do not need…
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Trans lesbian couple finally form a family
"You're going to be parents!" Harriet* is 24 and lives in the south west, with Lizzy*, 40, and their two adopted children. Here she tells their adoption story. “They’ve said yes,” our social worker said on the phone. “You’re going to be parents!” Those two short sentences marked the transition between the eternity of waiting…
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Attachment disorder explained
Attachment disorder is a term often used in reference to children who have been in care. What is it, where did the term come from and how do you deal with it? Richard Field is an educational psychologist, foster carer and carer for the Albert Kennedy Trust. He shares his knowledge with us. After the…
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Success after miscarriage: Erin & Katie’s journey
Katie donated her eggs to partner Erin; after surviving two miscarriages the couple finally welcomed their daughter Having kids was part of the package from the second date for Erin and Katie. Once their relationship was established they pushed ahead with plans to start a family. The couple are now the proud parents of a…
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Book list: LGBT adoption & fostering
The Pink Guide to Adoption Nicola Hill, BAAF, £13.95 From a lesbian and gay point of view, includes case studies Real Parents, Real Children: Parenting the Adopted Child Holly Van Gulden & Lisa Bartels-Rabb, Crossroads Publishing Co, £12.10 Safer Caring: A New Approach The Fostering Network, £30 Includes a chapter on safe care…
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Fostering as a single gay dad
Richard's parenting journey lead him to become a foster carer for two boys with challenging behaviour Richard, 37, is an educational psychologist with a background as a primary school teacher, and lives in London. At the time of this interview he had two foster boys – James*, 7 and Ben*, 11. Richard always wanted a…
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