The ‘last resort’?: Lesbian and gay experiences of the social work assessment process in fostering and adoption

Abstract

This article presents the results of a piece of research which considered the experiences of a number of lesbians and gay men who had been assessed as potential foster or adoptive carers by social workers. The findings suggest discriminatory responses in relation to lesbian and gay applicants which, it is argued, disadvantage their chances of being approved and having children placed within their care. The article attempts to locate such responses, and to suggest ways in which a more anti-discriminatory assessment practice can be developed.