People from the LGBTQ+ communy, considering fotering or doption, are being encouraged to find out more during LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week 2020.

Lancashire County Council is backing a campaign which encourages people from the community to consider fostering or adoption.

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Now in its eighth year, LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week takes place from Monday 2 March until Sunday 8 March, and is run by New Family Social, the network for LGBT+ adoptive and foster families.

The annual campaign encourages more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender+ people to consider adoption and fostering and celebrates the achievements of those who’ve already done so.

Read more: Could 2020 be the year you become adoptive parents

This year’s campaign is called Why Not You? It will focus on myth busting and answering common questions that are raised by the LGBT+ community when considering fostering or building their family through adoption.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “We have many same-sex couples in Lancashire who are providing stable and loving homes for children and young people who cannot live with their own families.

“We always need more foster carers and adoptive parents from all walks of life, and I want to remind people that we welcome applications from people of all ages, single, married, cohabiting, in same-sex relationships, with or without their own children, working or not.

“What the children and young people need most of all is to be with people who have a caring nature, who enjoy being with children and have a determination to see it through. Our children need people to stand by them.

“I’m delighted that we are supporting this year’s LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week. The campaign will tackle important misconceptions and highlight that LGBT+ people make great parents and there are so many children waiting for a loving home, either temporary or permanent. Perhaps you could be a parent to a child who is waiting.

“To be considered as foster carers or adoptive parents, people need to be over 21, and living in or close to Lancashire.”

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A package of support is available 24/7 to help foster carers in their role, including local support groups, their own social worker, a dedicated helpline, and flexible training.

Out of hours support for foster carers is available via a dedicated helpline staffed by experienced social workers. Training is flexible including during school hours, evenings and weekends and online, and can be tailored to the needs of any child.

Recognising that adoptive families require support at different times and even when the adoption has taken place, there is also a range of support services and advice available.

To find out more about fostering or adoption, please get in touch on 0300 123 6723.

Alternatively, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/adoption or www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering.

More information can be found at: newfamilysocial.org.uk/lgbt2020