Merton’s adoption team will be on hand to offer advice and support at a free LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender) adoption and fostering event in central London on 6 March.

The open evening will mark LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week and will be hosted by the charity New Family Social. Visitors will be able to hear first-hand experiences from adoptive parents, foster carers and speak to adoption and fostering agencies about the process of becoming a carer.

This year marks the tenth anniversary since LGBT couples were given the same equal legal rights as heterosexual adopters. In England, Wales and Scotland the number of children adopted by same sex couples has more than tripled from 90 in 2007 to 370 in 2014.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Maxi Martin said, “It is great to see so many people from the LGBT community stepping forward to offer children a safe and happy home. Merton’s fostering and adoption team give excellent support to make becoming a foster carer or adoptive parent as smooth as possible and a completely positive experience. We need more safe and stable homes for children in the borough and if you want to make the first move to become a carer, attend the free event next Friday where all your burning questions will be answered.”

-ENDS-

Note to editors

New Family Social’s flagship event takes place at River Court, 120 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2BE, from 6.30-8.30pm.