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When it comes to having a family, the girls have always had the advantage, all they need is a willing friend and the trusty turkey baster and voila. Those who have or chose to go the adoptive route will find it a little harder.
Although there has never been a law against gay adoption, it has always been more difficult, especially as the religious adopting agencies would very rarely, if at all, countenance adoption by a person in a same sex relationship or unmarried hetros.
That was another problem, adoption could only be done by one person in the relationship which meant that only they had any legal say over the upbringing of the child.
With the passing of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 same-sex couples and unmarried hetro couples can apply to adopt children jointly in England and Wales. Scotland has also passed a similar law.
Although there has never been a law against gay adoption, it has always been more difficult, especially as the religious adopting agencies would very rarely, if at all, countenance adoption by a person in a same sex relationship or unmarried hetros.
That was another problem, adoption could only be done by one person in the relationship which meant that only they had any legal say over the upbringing of the child.
With the passing of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 same-sex couples and unmarried hetro couples can apply to adopt children jointly in England and Wales. Scotland has also passed a similar law.
The religious adoption agencies have the right to deny until the end of 2008 although a recent ruling in the European Court of Human Rights where a French lesbian who had been denied the opportunity to adopt won her case. This ruling should now be followed in all the EU countries, but at least two have said they will ignore this.
What these new acts have done, is to make it possible for both partners to adopt and so both are legally responsible for the upbringing of the child which gives them the same rights as a natural mother and father.
Gay adoption is not a simple thing, there are many hoops to jump through before you will be given your child.
To start the process, you have to apply to an adoption agency, either the local council or a legally proscribed adoption agency. You will be thoroughly assessed and even if only one is actually applying to adopt, both will be included in the assessment. It covers everything from criminal records to the health of relatives.
You will be helped by the agency's social worker who is there to assess and assist. Once everything is completed, it will go to the Adoption Panel who will discuss your case. It is often the case that want to ask further questions and you may be invited to attend. Ultimately the Decision Maker has the final say on whether you are suitable or not. If the decision goes against you, you have 28 days in which to appeal that decision.
What these new acts have done, is to make it possible for both partners to adopt and so both are legally responsible for the upbringing of the child which gives them the same rights as a natural mother and father.
Gay adoption is not a simple thing, there are many hoops to jump through before you will be given your child.
To start the process, you have to apply to an adoption agency, either the local council or a legally proscribed adoption agency. You will be thoroughly assessed and even if only one is actually applying to adopt, both will be included in the assessment. It covers everything from criminal records to the health of relatives.
You will be helped by the agency's social worker who is there to assess and assist. Once everything is completed, it will go to the Adoption Panel who will discuss your case. It is often the case that want to ask further questions and you may be invited to attend. Ultimately the Decision Maker has the final say on whether you are suitable or not. If the decision goes against you, you have 28 days in which to appeal that decision.
Providing that you have passed that assessment, which means that you can show that you have a stable and lasting relationship, are financially sound etc., you are then put forward to the Adoption Board who, subject to approval, will then place a child with you.
Monitoring is carried out when the child is with you, and after a period of about ten weeks (seven in Scotland) you will be able to apply to the court for the Adoption Order which gives you the legal responsibility for the child.
For further details and support on gay adoption in the UK, see the sites below.
Monitoring is carried out when the child is with you, and after a period of about ten weeks (seven in Scotland) you will be able to apply to the court for the Adoption Order which gives you the legal responsibility for the child.
For further details and support on gay adoption in the UK, see the sites below.
British Association for Adoption and Fostering
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Gay Adoption
Gay Adoption Info
