Same-Sex Couples Encouraged to Consider Adoption, Foster Care

 Posted on September 06, 2016 in Adoption

The Chicago Tribune reports that there are currently more than 17,000 children in Illinois who are in foster care, with over 6,000 of them being cared for by non-relatives. In addition, there are approximately 1,000 children available for permanent adoption in the state on any given day. With so many children in need of loving homes, state officials are always looking for more couples and families who are willing to provide stability and care.

“We just don’t have enough people who have stepped forward,” said Susan McConnell, founder of a regional nonprofit group that advocates for adoption and foster care. Her group, Let It Be Us, has joined with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to promote participation in the state’s adoption and foster care programs among gay and lesbian parents. “We think that in the (LBGT) community,” McConnell continued, “there are people who would be good parents.

Increased Rates of Participation

National numbers estimate that same-sex couples are nearly six times more likely to open their homes to foster children compared to heterosexual couples. Lesbian and gay couples are also four times more likely to adopt a child. It would seem, then, that reaching out to same-sex couples would be very effective in increasing the available resources for children in need.

Meeting Children Where They Are

While encouraging members of the LGBT community to become more interesting in adoption and foster care is certainly a step in the right direction, state officials have historically had trouble placing LGBT teens who end up in the system. Adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered comprise about 40 percent of the homeless youth population. Advocates suggest that same-sex adoptive parents or foster parents could have a tremendous impact on a child who is experiencing questions regarding sexuality and gender identity.

In the wake of last year’s Supreme Court ruling that eliminated bans on same-sex marriage across the country, the perception of same-sex parents is improving, according to community advocates. Such acceptance can only be positive, with so many children needing loving homes and supportive parents.

Considering Adoption?

If you would like to learn more about the process of adopting a child in Illinois, regardless of your marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, we can help. Contact an experienced Lombard family law attorney today to schedule a confidential consultation. A compassionate member of our team will meet with you to discuss your available options and what your next steps should be. Call 630-426-0196 for an appointment.

Sources:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-gay-adoption-met-20160814-story.html

http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-court-redefines-parenthood-to-protect-gay-couples-1472582482