Adoption Institute Supports Gay Parents

“Based on both the available research and growing experience, the report finds no child-centered reason to prevent gays and lesbians from becoming adoptive parents, and recommends that they be utilized more extensively to provide permanent, loving homes for children living in state care across the country.” – Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, in a report issued today

There’s also an article in the Washington Post.

These are the recommendations of the report, which is available in full here.

  • Move to end legal and de facto restrictions on adoption by gays and lesbians. This includes working to expand co-parent and second parent adoption, as well as revising agency policies and practices that may impede their consideration as an adoptive resource.
  • Develop clear statements in support of such adoptions, recognizing a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach disadvantages parents and, ultimately, their children. And develop contacts with the gay/lesbian community in order to engage in genuine, informed outreach.
  • Help workers, supervisors, and agency leaders examine their attitudes and beliefs about gay and lesbian parenting, while affirming the value of these families by including them in outreach, training materials, and parent panels.
  • Conduct research to inform the development of resources, training, and support to improve post-adoption success. And work to include and educate children in the process, recognizing that they may encounter prejudice if adopted by gay parents.

This report is the result of an extensive review and analysis of the issues and research over the last several decades. Unlike the tiny sound-alike think tanks (like these) created by the anti-gay right to fabricate “controversy,” this is a legitimate, professional agency that develops policy positions on the basis of sound research and the best interests of children and families.

It’s sad to even have to point it out, but one of the principal findings of the report is this:

Laws and policies that preclude adoption by gay or lesbian parents disadvantage the tens of thousands of children mired in the foster care system who need permanent, loving homes.

Anyone who advocates or votes for such anti-family, anti-child laws and policies is confused and misinformed. If you happen to know of anyone like that, for instance in the Virginia General Assembly, please help to educate them.

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