More than 60% of Britons are unaware that people from the LGBT+ community can foster
The number of children in need of foster care in the UK has risen by 57 percent during the coronavirus pandemic, yet there are common misconceptions about same sex couples and LGBT+ individuals which could be impacting foster care recruitment.
In our own research, we found more than 60 percent of the British public are unaware that people from the LGBT+ community can foster.
As part of LGBT+ History Month this February, which aims to promote the visibility of the LGBT+ community throughout society, we’re looking to challenge these misconceptions about who can foster, as there are so many children and young people entering the care system and in need of a safe place to call home.
Commenting on the need for more LGBT+ foster carers, Martin Leitch, Head of Fostering Operations at Five Rivers Child Care, said: “One’s gender, sexuality, religion or ethnicity does not stop them from fostering. Some of our most amazing foster carers are from the LGBT+ community and are enriching children and young people’s lives every day. It’s also extremely important to us that we have foster carers from all backgrounds to reflect the diversity of those youngsters in the care system.
“Whether you’re thinking of a career change or you have been recently made redundant as a result of the pandemic, fostering has the ability to change the life of a child or young person that otherwise might not have a family, or a place to call home.
Five Rivers Child Care is looking for foster cares who can provide a safe and stable home for those in need. Prospective foster carers must be interested in making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people in care, be over the age of 21 and have a spare furnished room for each child. Single people, co-habiting couples, LGBT+ couples and those living in rented accommodation have the opportunity to become foster carers.
For more information on fostering as a LGBT+ individual and for fostering queries in general, visit five-rivers.org, or contact the enquiries team 0345 266 0272 or email carer.enquiries@five-rivers.org