LGBT+ Fostering
Tuesday 01 April 2025
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or living in a same-sex couple and have ever wondered, “Can I foster?” The answer is yes! Five Rivers is an LGBT+ friendly foster care agency, welcoming enquiries from all backgrounds.
The Fostering Network estimates that around 7,000 LGBT+ families foster across the UK. Their dedication and unwavering support prove that exceptional care comes from a wide range of experiences, regardless of sexuality or gender identity.
LGBT+ inclusive fostering
At Five Rivers, we believe that diverse perspectives help children grow and thrive. We ensure all our Foster Carers, regardless of sexuality, know how to create warm, accepting environments where children are celebrated for who they are.
While not every LGBT+ child will be homed with LGBT+ Carers, every child deserves a home where they can safely explore questions about identity without judgment.
We understand that beginning this journey might feel daunting. Our team will be there to hold your hand and guide you through the fostering application process with specialist advice for LGBT+ Carers.
LGBT+ Foster Carers often bring a unique set of strengths to fostering:
Diverse Family Models: LGBT+ Foster Carers naturally show children that families come in many forms, all capable of providing love. Children learn that what makes a family isn’t how it looks but the care and support within it.
Supporting LGBT+ Foster Children: For LGBT+ children in care, connecting with Carers who understand or share similar life journeys can become a lifeline. These genuine, supportive relationships help children discover their voice and develop the confidence to embrace who they are.
Creating Truly Safe Spaces: Many LGBT+ individuals have experienced feeling different or have encountered challenges in gaining acceptance. This means they are well-placed to create safe spaces where children can work through their feelings of not belonging.
Can You Foster Without a Partner?
Yes, it is certainly possible to foster without a partner.
What matters most isn’t your relationship status but your commitment to care for a child. We have single Foster Carers who create wonderfully supportive environments for our children. Many children thrive with a single-carer household’s focused attention and stability, often forming particularly close and meaningful bonds.
Having friends, family, and community support becomes especially important as a single Foster Carer. At Five Rivers, we ensure all our Carers can access local support groups, ongoing training, and round-the-clock professional help so you never feel alone.
Join Our Fostering Community
We are proud to work with many Foster Carers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic.
LGBT+ individuals and couples bring many qualities to fostering, from resilience to understanding and fresh perspectives. These experiences often provide insights that help children navigate their life journeys.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in children’s lives and meet our essential criteria – being over 21, having a spare bedroom, and having the right to live in the UK – we’d love to hear from you.
Your identity isn’t a barrier to fostering; the diversity within our community helps us better serve the varied needs of children in care. If you’re ready to offer a secure place where a young person can grow and thrive, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch today to learn more.
Want to make a difference while considering if fostering is right for you? Become a Fan of Fostering. You’ll get monthly updates about children’s achievements and simple ways to spread awareness. Learn more at www.five-rivers.org/fostering/fans