An organization’s mission or values statement publicly reflects and communicates its philosophical commitment. Many LGBTQ people mistakenly believe that the law prohibits them from adopting or foster parenting or that individual agencies are not welcoming to them. LGBTQ prospective adoptive or foster parents often look at an agency’s mission statement, values statement or non-discrimination policy to learn whether the agency is welcoming to LGBTQ-headed families.

Sample Statements:

• Extraordinary Families [www.extraordinaryfamilies.org]
  • Anyone over age 25 who is interested in providing a loving home to a child in foster care can participate in the certification process regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Family Builders, LGBTQ Family Support Section of Website [www.familybuilders.org]
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) families are a valuable resource for the many children who are in the foster care system and who are waiting for a family to adopt them. LGBTQ families often bring particular strengths to meet many of the special needs that children from the foster care system have.

See also:

• Agency Client Non-Discrimination Statements
• Agency Employment Non-Discrimination Policies