In recent years, public and private child welfare agencies have implemented inclusive practices designed to recruit and support individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or other diverse identities as prospective adoptive parents. LGBTQ+ families continue to be an important resource for children waiting in foster care. However, LGBTQ+ parents may face specific challenges related to adoption. Find resources in this section for working with LGBTQ+ individuals and same- or diverse-gendered couples in a culturally competent manner.

8 Questions to Ask Before Starting the Adoption Process
The Human Rights Campaign (2020)
Provides a checklist of things for parents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or other diverse identities who are considering adoption to ask themselves before starting the adoption process.

Advocacy and Support Organizations for LGBTQIA2S+ Communities
Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway
Includes national organizations that have made it their mission to support, represent, and advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two Spirit, or Other Gender or Sexual Identity (LGBTQIA2S+) Communities that share a focus on child and youth welfare issues. If you are aware of any others, please contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at: OrganizationUpdates@childwelfare.gov. Inclusion on this list is for information purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by Child Welfare Information Gateway or the Children's Bureau.

All Children, All Families: Public Policy Advocacy
The Human Rights Campaign
Promotes LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and affirming practices among child welfare agencies and formally recognizes those agencies that are leading the field with innovative approaches to inclusion.

Connecticut Recruiting LGBT Families to Adopt, Foster Kids
Haigh (2018)
PBS News Hour
Discusses an initiative to actively recruit the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or other diverse identifying) community to become foster and adoptive parents in Connecticut.

Getting Down to Basics: Tools to Support LGBTQ Youth in Care
Child Welfare League of America & Lambda Legal
Provides guidance on an array of issues affecting LGBTQ+ youth and the adults and organizations that provide them with out-of-home care.

Recruiting and Retaining LGBT Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families: Sending a Welcoming Message (PDF - 96 KB)
National Resource Center for Diligent Recruitment at AdoptUSKids (2018)
Provides suggestions for child welfare agencies seeking to work with LGBTQ+ foster and adoptive families.

Resources for LGBTI Adoptions
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Offers resources and information for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people and same-sex couples who are interested in adoption in the United States. The resources and links cover laws related to LGBTI adoption, parenting, health and wellness information for youth and families, how to create a welcoming home for LGBTI youth, and more.

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