Overcoming misconceptions for LGBT+ foster carers
This LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week campaign, led by UK charity New Family Social, Southampton City Council wants to address concerns commonly raised by the LGBT+ community around expectations of discrimination when applying to become a foster carer
The council is actively encouraging more foster carers from the LGBT+ community to apply to foster and assures anyone considering starting their fostering journey that everyone is welcome, no matter what their sexuality is.
Steve* and Dominic* became approved as foster carers for Southampton City Council in 2021. The couple are currently fostering three children under the aged of 10.
Talking about their fostering journey, Steve says:
“As two gay men, we did feel that this could pose issues to us becoming foster carers, but we were welcomed with warm arms and supported at every step by the team at Southampton City Council. Our sexuality was not an issue, and we were treated like any other potential foster carers.
We came into fostering because we both felt we were at a stage in our lives where we have everything we need and we have achieved so much individually and together: good jobs, nice cars, a loving relationship and as a couple, we are financially stable.”
Talking about how their life experiences have helped them along in their fostering journey, Steve continues:
“It has also helped being part of the LGBT+ community as we have personally had to overcome our own challenges and experiences within life, and this is valuable to us being able to understand how children may feel in some circumstances.”
Dominic, who was in respite care himself when he was younger adds:
“The carers I had were fun, loving and invested in me. I want to provide the same environment for children within my care. From personal experience I know how important it is to feel loved, as well as safe and secure.”
As well as a busy home life looking after the children, Steve and Dominic have been well supported by their employers and both continue to work full-time within large companies.
Dominic continues:
“We work for very reputable companies, and they have been phenomenal with allowing flexible working. We are able to fulfil our duties within our jobs and care for the children and their needs while maintaining a sensible work life balance.”
Southampton City Council is calling for more LGBT+ foster carers in the city who can offer a safe and loving home for local children, whether that is short term or long term. Fostering is not a ‘one size fits all’ lifestyle and the council welcome applicants from anyone who thinks they could give a child or young person an opportunity to thrive.
Steve and Dominic are pleased they took the step into fostering:
“We enjoyed the process from enquiry, assessment, approval and finally placement. It was lengthy and intense and not without challenges, but it has been well worth it to see the smiles and the love that the children give you. It turns a house into a home and brings inner happiness. I’d advise anyone interested in fostering to go for it!”, Steve concluded.
If you’d like to find out more about fostering, the application process, different types of placements or just for an informal chat you can pop along to Southampton City Council’s fostering drop-in information event on Saturday 19 March from 10am – 2pm at Townhill Park Community Centre. Or you can contact the team by:
Telephone: 0800 519 1818
Email: fostering@southampton.gov.uk
Website: www.southampton.gov.uk/fostering
*names changed
Find out more about LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week.
