Every child is a miracle, but this is especially true for couples and individuals in same-sex relationships. As of 2018, same-sex adoption is legal in all of Australia’s states and territories, and we’ve seen a huge increase in LGBT parents — but this doesn’t mean the process is easy.
Whether you’re considering intrafamily adoption, agency adoption or adopting a stepchild, it’s important to make sure you’re ready. While the adoption process isn’t drastically different for LGBT couples, there are many difficulties you’ll face that traditional couples won’t.
4 Common Challenges LGBT Parents Face During Adoption
1. Discrimination
Despite what laws, various studies and plain common sense have to say about the matter of same-sex adoption, many potential LGBT parents still face discrimination. Laws don’t prohibit same-sex adoptions, but they won’t explicitly protect you, either. What you can do: If you find yourself the victim of discrimination, an adoption lawyer may be able to help.
2. Self-doubt from social stigmas
There are many stigmas attached to same-sex parenting that raise issues about LGBT adoption — both for potential parents and agencies/birth parents. Learn about some common issues here.
What you can do: If social stigmas, issues or concerns have made you question whether you’ll be a good parent, don’t be so hard on yourself. There is no scientific research showing that children raised by same-sex parents are worse off than those born to a heterosexual couple.
3. Agency or parental preferences
Many of Australia’s adoptions are international, and some countries are not yet open to same-sex adoption. Some birth parents may only want their child adopted by an opposite-sex couple. Some agencies might give precedence to traditional families.
What you can do: Don’t give up. Some birth parents choose to have their children placed in LGBT homes. There are private agencies that will work with you. Oftentimes, children who are harder to place (older children, siblings or those with disabilities) often go to LGBT parents. These children usually flourish in non- traditional homes.
4. Lack of support
Many potential LGBT parents find themselves without a circle of support to carry them through the emotional adoption process.
What you can do: Reach out to friends, family, co-workers and neighbours for support. Find a group or talk to LGBT parents who have been through the adoption process. Take good care of yourself and try to keep a healthy mindset.
Your Forever Family
Our goal is to help you change a child’s life for the better. If you’re a potential LGBT parent seeking to adopt a stepchild, our DIY adoption kits make the process simple and straightforward. If you’re looking for legal advice about your case, we offer access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable legal professionals.
The process may be long and difficult, but the end results will change your lives and the life of that special child.
We’d love to be a part of your journey. Contact us today for more information or for assistance with your case.
Resources:
https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/4897a5b7-3af7-4d9e-9f1d7487ec9603b7/LGBT-adoption-and-foster-care.pdf
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/f_gay.pdf
https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/
https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/topics/same-sex-parented-families https://www.lesbiansandthelaw.com/adoption