This seminar aims to give an overview of adoption and fostering; the demands and rewards, and some of the issues specific to lesbians and gay men.  Participants will gain an understanding of the needs of the children waiting for homes, and an up-to-the-minute picture of how lesbians and gay men, both as couples and single people, are experiencing the process.

Andy Leary-May is the Director of New Family Social, the charity for LGBT adopters, foster carers and their children.  NFS runs a UK wide support network, provides information and encouragement to those considering adoption and fostering, and works to ensure their fair treatment in the process.

Andy and his partner ran a design business until 2007, when they began their journey to become adoptive parents.  Discovering a great need for them, and others like them, to be able to share advice and encouragement, Andy set-up NFS and led its development into the organisation it is today.  Andy and his partner live in London with their adopted their son, aged 3.

Chris Christophides – Trainer Consultant/Children’s Services Adviser
Chris joined BAAF as Trainer Consultant in 2003. Before that he worked for several local authorities in London and the north west of England. Qualifying as a Social Worker in 1989, he built up considerable experience in educational social work and child protection before specialising in adoption and fostering as a practitioner and assistant manager.
 
Chris has provided training on an increasing range of subjects in Southern England and overseas, including teaching on the post qualifying specialist award. He is also involved with two local authority adoption & fostering panels. He now operates the region's advice and information service and facilitates several adoption and fostering groups for professionals. He has a particular interest in the assessment of lesbian and gay carers/adopters and the placement of children with them.