Adoption and fostering Social Work at the Margins: Assessing and supporting trans and non-binary applicants

This oral paper will discuss findings of a narrative inquiry exploring trans peoples' experiences of adopting or fostering children in the UK. While there is an established research base focusing on the experiences of lesbian and gay adopters and foster carers (see for example: Golombok et al., 2014; Cosis-Brown et al., 2015), the voices of trans people have rarely been included (Hicks & McDermott, 2018). It can indeed be argued that research with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBT) communities can have the effect of subsuming and silencing trans voices (Biblarz & Savci, 2010; Rogers, 2016; 2017b). In response to the need to bring trans and non-binary voices into adoption and fostering research, this paper will examine the findings from narrative interviews with prospective adoption and fostering applicants, as well as those who have successfully adopted or fostered. The study also includes interviews with Social Work staff who have been involved in assessing and supporting trans and non-binary applicants. Utilising a lens of cisgenderism, the paper will analyse the challenges faced by trans and non-binary people as a marginalised group who routinely experience discrimination and oppression (Ansara & Hegarty 2011, 2014; Rogers 2017b). It will explore themes of misgendering, uncertainty about Social Work responses and pressure to conform to normative gender roles. It will further consider the experiences of individuals whose identities place them at intersections of marginalised groups, such as those who define as trans or non-binary and also have a disability. The presentation will consider how Social Work can utilise co-production and service user involvement in research, education and practice to work more effectively with those who are gender diverse. It will explore how we can overcome problems and work towards greater inclusivity in adoption and fostering services (Brown et al., 2018).