How can adoption professionals help LGBT applicants?

Pink Adoptions

Following a query from an adoption professional on that topic, we drafted a FAQ on the topic.

Could you suggest more items to add to the list of what you feel are LGBT specific issues that could help all professionals involved in adoption?
You can also suggest readings (if possible with a comment on how relevant it is to the Irish LGBT community).
And of course you can comment on existing or suggested items.

The link to the original FAQ is:
http://irishpinkadoptions.com/2010/08/21/faq-how-can-adoption-professionals-help-lgbt-applicants/

I reproduce the content so you can contribute without having to go to the website. Remember... it is only a draft!

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• Some LGBT people will make good parents, others will not; assessing them is the same as for any other unmarried people/couples;
• LGBT parents are as valid parents as anyone else: they expect that the adoption professional do not query their ability to parent on the ground of their sexuality or “community”;
• LGBT parents are just like anybody else: they understand that their ability to parent will be queried, on the basis of their ability to parent;
• There is not one unified LGBT community… “our lot” covers as many different sub-cultures are there are in any other community in Ireland;
• LGBT people expect to be treated as individuals;
• LGBT people have a specific worry about being accused of being potential abusers, and to be amalgamated with pedophiles;
• LGBT people’s sexuality is like any body’s sexuality: it is a matter of intimacy between consenting adults;
• LGBT couples do not deprive a child from gender balance in role models: children are raised into a community, not a closed entity with only their parents;
• LGBT couples have a better understanding of how oppressive forces work in society, and how to deal with “being different”; some may have more difficulties with it though, so assumptions can be made in that area;
• LGBT people are not activists who use the adoption process to make a political point;
• The LGBT community is divided on the issue of raising children, adoption and the institution of marriage;
• Prospective adoptive parents may have a specific “LGBT community reaction” to deal with, and a specific fear of rejection once they have adopted;
• It is important to build a support network for their “pink household".