November is National Adoption Month, and we’re bringing you stories of LGBTQ families formed through adoption, resources that help navigate the challenges of the adoption process, and opportunities to take action.
Across the United States, over 110,000 children and youth are living in foster care and waiting to be adopted; waiting to be placed with a loving, “forever family.” Family Equality Council is proud to make improving child welfare systems and adoption placement rates a centerpiece of our mission, and during National Adoption Month, we focus special attention on the stories of LGBTQ families formed through adoption, to help reveal some of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth, and LGBTQ parents, when navigating the adoption process.
Today, we want to start the month by sharing some critical facts about the state of adoption in the United States today. Many people don’t realize that:
- 13 states have no protections against discrimination for LGBTQ youth receiving adoption services
- 25% of youth who age out of the foster care system report having been homeless for at least one night within 4 years of leaving the foster care system
- In 2015, over 20,000 youth aged out of foster care without finding permanent, loving, forever homes.
We need you to help us raise awareness about the challenges facing LGBTQ youth and parents interacting with adoption systems in the US. Throughout the month, we will be sharing both facts and stories about LGBTQ families and adoption, so follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to join in.
Today, you can also show your support for Family Equality Council’s National Adoption Month coverage on Facebook by adding our campaign frame to your profile picture!
Check back here for some real-life adoption stories, starting tomorrow. And save the date for our National Adoption Month Twitter Chat on November 15 at 2pm Eastern Time.
Return to the National Adoption Month homepage
