Fostering2Inspire positively welcomes interest from the LGBT+ community. We understand and recognise the importance of LGBT+ carers and the strengths they can offer our looked after children.
The level of prejudice received by some same-sex prospective adopters and foster carers has steeply declined over the years. Fears that children fostered or adopted by same-sex couples would face bullying, or that their own gender identities might be affected are unfounded.
In fact, figures from the Department for Education show that 1 in 6 (16.6%) adoptions in England during 2020 were to same sex couples. This is compared to just 1 in 22 adoptions back in 2012.
Over the years Fostering2Inspire have worked with many same-sex foster carers and we have been impressed by their level of resilience and commitment. These families are willing to consider and work with children and young people with complexities, and who see themselves as different.
We know living in foster care can be a very challenging and confusing time for many looked after children and young people. They frequently experience feelings of being out of place and lost. They sometimes have to figure out who they are, working out what their histories entailed and navigating a difficult world around them. The strength of being a LGBT+ carer is that you may have suffered, and experienced many of these feelings.
As a result, you will be able to use these experiences to empathise with a fostered child, and offer them strength and guidance to come through the other side. What better role model can you offer a child going through a difficult time – someone who truly understands and has the patience to reflect and help them make sense of their feelings.
It is important to note that what truly matters in foster care is the ability to provide a loving and stable home, as well as the willingness to meet the unique needs of each child placed in one's care. Regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals and couples who are dedicated, nurturing, and able to provide a safe and supportive environment can be wonderful foster parents.
If the above resonates with you, and you would like to learn more about the prospect of becoming a foster carer (as a single carer or as a couple) please contact us. It would be our pleasure to speak to you further and share our knowledge and experiences with you.
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