LGBTQ+ couple from Oxfordshire are encouraging others to think about adopting
Last year, one in five adoptions were to same sex couples
A couple from Oxfordshire are encouraging others to think about adoption after they've become parents to three children, as this week marks LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week.
The campaign, supported by Adopt Thames Valley – the regional adoption agency hosted by Oxfordshire County Council – shares the experiences of adopters, highlighting the important role they play in providing loving and stable environments for young people in need of a home.
"We wanted to start a family"
North Oxfordshire couple, Arjay and Tom, are two of the stars of the annual LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week.
Arjay and Tom adopted three siblings around a year ago. The couple had first volunteered at a regional summer camp to gain childcare experience, and initially met the toddlers at an Adopt Thames Valley play day.
Arjay said: “Adoption has allowed us to create our family and fulfil our dream of having children. The joy of having them around is difficult to put into words. We’ve met other adopters, parents at school gates and on play dates, and we really feel part of a community.
“Watching our children explore the world brings so much happiness and pride; they make everyone smile, which can spark conversations with people when we’re out and about.”
Tom says, “We chose adoption because we wanted to start a family. We looked into different options and found out there are so many children in the adoption system who are waiting for their forever homes. That’s when we decided adoption was the right choice for us.
“Meeting LGBT families at the New Family Social camp where we volunteered really inspired us and made us feel more confident about the idea of adoption. It’s really a dream come true to have completed our family.”
Arjay added: “Our children had a bit of a bumpy start to life, but now they’re really thriving. They’re so full of energy, love, and laughter. It’s amazing to see them develop their own personalities and they bring so much joy into our lives.
“Our days are really busy, with three toddlers to take care of. We have to run to nursery, have playdates, clean up messy meals, and there are nappy changes galore. The soundtrack to our lives is a bit different now, thanks to Mr Tumble and nursery rhymes. But we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “People from a whole range of backgrounds and communities, including LGBTQ+, can and do adopt. Our county’s most vulnerable children need more people like Arjay and Tom to come forward.
“You’ll help a child who might have had a difficult and chaotic start to their life, playing your part as they develop and grow in confidence. It’ll be a shared and uplifting experience, changing their life and yours for the better.”