Lesbian and gay fostering and adoption in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Since the 1980s, the fostering and adoption of children by lesbians and gay men in the United Kingdom has gained considerable acceptance in legislation and policy. This paper traces these changes, particularly those occurring during the New Labour period of 'liberal equality'. Despite this progress, as evidenced by the backlash from some leaders of the religious and political right, it is argued that prejudice continues. Within this context of new opportunities, but continued prejudice, this paper identifi es two important areas for adoptive parents, foster carers and social work practitioners: fi rstly, the challenges that might confront gay and lesbian young people and secondly, the process by which gay and lesbian people are assessed as potential carers by fostering and adoption agencies.