Leading charity Action for Children has said LGBT people could solve a care crisis by adopting or fostering thousands of kids.

The organization is key sponsor of the second annual LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week in the UK, which starts today (4 March) and runs until 10 March.

Action for Children believes LGBT people could be help make up the shortfall of foster carers and adoptive parents across Britain so all kids could be moved out of care and into loving homes.

It’s estimated 4,000 children need adopting every year, and an additional 9,000 foster carers must be found. If just 2% of LGBT people came forward to foster or adopt, they could meet the shortfall of homes needed for children currently in care.

Their plea comes as a new study by Cambridge University shows children are thriving with same-sex parents. The research supports the charity’s belief that the most important thing for children and young people is to be part of a loving family.

LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week aims to educate prospective parents and carers about the processes involved and to let them hear from others in their area who have adopted or fostered children themselves.

It is organized by New Family Social, the charity run by LGBT adopters and foster carers for families and families-to-be.

Action for Children’s director of public policy, Helen Donohoe, told GSN: ‘From 140 years of working with the UK’s most vulnerable children, we know how important it is to find the best possible placement for each and every child in care.

‘And we know LGBT people often come to adoption or fostering as the first choice for expanding their family, bringing love, real enthusiasm and resourcefulness.’

Lesbian and gay adopters’ group, New Family Social found 98% of LGBT adopters and foster carers that Action for Children had a satisfactory attitude to sexuality and gender identity, higher than the national average at 91%. It is also the fourth highest ranking charity employer in the Workplace Equality Index from leading gay organization Stonewall.

Andy Leary-May, director of New Family Social, says: ‘Some people are still put off by fears that they won’t be welcomed by agencies, but things are changing. In our group we have huge and diverse range of families, including plenty of parents who are single, or in their 50s.

‘It’s clear to see how well our children are doing, and what a positive and rewarding choice fostering and adoption can be.’

One LGBT adopter said: ‘It is the best feeling in the world to have your own child. The rewards are endless and having your own child is so fulfilling word simply cannot describe how lucky we are. We love being parents – it is the best!’

Action for Children will be taking part in two events to spread the news about adoption and fostering this week.

Donohoe said: ‘Throughout and after LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, our friendly staff will be on the phone and at the two flagship events to answer questions and help potential parents take the first steps towards providing one of the thousands of children desperately in need with a stable, loving home.’

Action for Children will be at the LGBT Manchester Flag Ship Event, The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, 5 Richmond Street, Central Manchester, M1 3HF on Thursday (7 March) at 7pm. Register for the event here.

They will also be at the LGBT London Flag Ship event, 120 Fleet Street, Central London, EC4A 2BE, on Friday (8 March) at 6.30pm. Register here.

For more information on adoption with Action for Children, call +44 (0)845 355 5533 or visit their site. For fostering, talk to Action for Children on +44 (0)845 200 5162 or visit the site.

You can find more information on LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week here.