Are you LGBTQ+ and considering fostering?
The need for more foster carers from all walks of life is greater than ever. If you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community and considering fostering, you may be unsure of taking the step to foster with your local authority.
We chatted to Michael who, along with his husband Liam, have fostered with Rochdale Borough Council for over four years. Hear from him about his experience of fostering and advice for anyone considering it.
Many people in the LGBTQ+ community are unsure whether they can foster and may believe outdated myths that prevent them from taking the next step toward becoming a foster parent.
Let’s break down some of these myths and reveal the truth about fostering as an LGBTQ+ individual or couple.
This isn't true! We welcome and encourage LGBTQ+ people to foster with their local authority.
The reality is we treat all prospective foster carers equally. We focus on your ability to provide a child a safe and nurturing environment to a child or young person, regardless of your sexuality or gender identity.
There is absolutely no evidence that gendered parenting benefits children whatsoever. What children need is a safe, stable and nurturing household where they are receiving love and support.
Foster carers can be single, married, in a same sex relationship, male, female or transgender.
Find out more about who can foster.
Gaynor and Karen Minton-Westhead are a couple that have been together for 41-years. They started their fostering journey 21-years-ago when they became the first same-sex couple to foster, and then adopt, for Tameside Council and have recently decided to start the fostering process all over again with Stockport Council.
They said: “When we first started fostering over twenty years ago, there was a lot of stigma and it was quite challenging however, there’s nothing like that now and we’ve found everyone to be so supportive of our fostering journey.
“Whether you’re a same-sex couple, a heterosexual couple, a single parent, it doesn’t matter, if you’ve got love and room in your home, you can make a child’s life worthwhile. All they need is stability, love and nurturing and not to mention they keep you young!”
Chris and Michael Smith are a same-sex couple that have fostered for Manchester City Council for over ten years.
They said: “We urge other members of the LGBTQ+ community to come forward and foster for their local authority. LGBTQ+ carers have so much to offer a young person as they understand tolerance and acceptable through their own lived experiences and that’s what makes them exceptional carers. There really are no barriers to fostering; fostering is as diverse as the LGBTQ+ community itself you can make a substantial difference to a young person.”
Want to see what foster carers feel about fostering? Explore our real fostering stories – Trish and Steve’s experience is a great one to start with.
Then, to explore your fostering options, get in touch here.