Adoption Mosaic, a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the adoption community, announces the launch of an LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) parent support group for prospective and current adoptive parents.
LGBTQ Community Creating and Sustaining Families is awarded a $5000 mini grant through the collaboration of AdoptUSKids and the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC). The grant funds the creation of new parent support groups for LGBTQ individuals considering and creating family through adoption.
In 2005, there were an estimated121,645 gay, lesbian, and bisexual people living in Oregon (per the Williams Institute Census Snapshot, February 2008). Approximately 19% of same sex couples in Oregon are raising children under the age of 18, and more than 5% of Oregon’s adopted children (1,232 children) live with a lesbian or gay parent.
LGBTQ adoptive parents and families face unique challenges and concerns. Homophobia and heterosexism restrict access to support, services, and the social legitimacy necessary to create and sustain healthy families.
Beginning in November 2011, Adoption Mosaic will host free monthly parent support groups. The groups are open to prospective and current LGBTQ adoptive parents. These LGBTQ adults are welcome: those considering adoption, those waiting to adopt, those who have recently adopted, and those with established and experienced adoptive families. The support groups are peer-facilitated by LGBTQ parent leaders. With a dynamic curriculum, groups are responsive to participant needs and experiences. Groups will meet through December 2012.
LGBTQ Community Creating and Sustaining Families Parent Support Group will offer the support, information, and tools necessary to nurture healthy LGBTQ families.
For more information, please visit affiliated organizations’ websites:
Adoption Mosaic: www.adoptionmosaic.org
North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC): www.nacac.org
AdoptUSKids: www.adoptuskids.org
