LGBT+ community encouraged to foster as 78,000 young people enter the care system

We want to challenge a common misconception that sexual orientation prevents LGBT+ members from fostering.

More than 60% of people across the UK are unaware that same-sex couples or those from the LGBT+ community are eligible to foster.

Just 480 children were placed in foster care with LGBT+ families in 2014, yet charity New Family Social claims if just one percent of the LGBT+ community was to foster, there would be no children waiting for a home.

That’s why we’re calling on the LGBT+ community to consider local fostering opportunities after a damning report shared at the start of 2020 has shown a record number of children are in care. There are currently 78,150 children in the care system across England and another 7,200 foster carers are needed to meet demand and provide loving homes to vulnerable children and young people.

Commenting on the need for more LGBT+ foster carers, Martin Leitch, Head of Fostering Operations at Five Rivers Child Care, said: “There’s a desperate need for more people to enter the fostering industry. With nearly 80,000 vulnerable young people in need of a safe home, we want to challenge misconceptions that might prevent LGBT+ members from fostering.

“It’s extremely important to have a diverse range of foster carers across the country to reflect the diverse nature of the children and young people entering the care system and provide role models from all walks of life. We have some amazing LGBT+ carers who are enriching children’s and young people’s lives every day and encourage anyone who would like to do the same to get in touch.”

For more information, call the enquiries team on 0345 266 0272 or email [email protected].