At Fostering Dimensions, we strive to make fostering inclusive for everyone. That’s why we look at the individual and whether they have the qualities that a good foster carer should have, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Many members of the LGBT community believe they can’t foster or adopt because of this – this is not the case. It is illegal for any fostering agency to discriminate against potential foster carers because of their sexuality. At Fostering Dimensions, we provide support to all of our foster carers and children, including members of the LGBT community. We know that LGBT fostering can bring to light many questions and concerns and we’re here to help provide an answer so you can start your fostering journey.
LGBT fostering myths
Many myths surround LGBT fostering, the most prevalent being that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people cannot foster at all. This could not be further from the truth. As long as you can provide a caring, safe home for a foster child and meet the foster carer requirements, your gender or sexual orientation does not affect your ability to foster. Diversity is essential when it comes to fostering and providing foster carers in the LGBT community with equal opportunity is of utmost importance at Fostering Dimensions.
LGBT fostering and religion may be a concern you have. Your religion (or lack of) does not affect your ability to become an LGBT foster carer and you do not have to practice the same religion as your foster child. As a foster carer, it is your responsibility to allow your child the freedom to practice their religion and make your home a safe space where you can openly discuss religious beliefs.
Many people believe that you must be in a relationship to foster. LGBT fostering welcomes individuals and couples into the community. As long as you can provide a stable and loving home for a child, your relationship status does not affect your ability to become a foster carer. As a single foster parent, you may think that you would struggle to financially care for a foster child. With Fostering Dimensions, we provide monetary allowances for your child to provide them with any essential as well as monetary recognition for your work as a foster carer. Of course, single parent fostering may mean you are under added pressure but with support from Fostering Dimensions, you’ll never feel alone.
Can you foster?
When it comes to LGBT fostering, as long as you have all the qualities that make a good foster carer, your fostering journey can begin. Here are just some of the qualities it takes to be a foster carer:
- Perseverance: Fostering can be challenging, it’s important to have the perseverance to get through tough times and not give up.
- Patience: As with many things in life, fostering is not a quick process. It’s important to be patient when it comes to finding the right child for you. Patience is also essential during fostering especially as it can take time for children to settle in.
- Stability: Before you begin your fostering journey, you should be sure that you can provide stability for a child that may not have experienced it before. Children like routine, so stability will help them feel secure and settled in your home. Consistency in your personal and family life will help you and your foster child.
- Empathy: Empathy is essential for all foster carers to gain a true understanding of your foster child and what they might have been through in the past. Empathy will help you build a strong emotional bond with your foster child.
At Fostering Dimensions, we provide all of our foster carers with full training, support and development. You can be sure you’re ready for almost any fostering challenge when you choose Fostering Dimensions. Our training ranges from individual to group and online sessions. All training is mandatory to continue fostering. This way, we can be sure that you are always progressing and learning as a foster carer. You will be provided with a social worker who will monitor your development and will be there to help with any queries you may have.
LGBT fostering support
At Fostering Dimensions, we understand that LGBT fostering can be challenging, you may face discrimination from children or even other parents. We’re here to do everything we can to prevent this and provide LGBT foster carers with a positive fostering experience. For us, providing support to our foster carers is just as important as supporting our foster children. When you choose to foster with us, you’re never alone. We provide access to foster carer support groups which can be attended every month. We can also organise private counselling sessions for you and your foster child if necessary. If you’re struggling at any time, our team are on hand with 24hr telephone support for any query you may have. We also provide you with a social worker who you can confide in and lean on for support.
Are you a member of the LGBT community who’s thinking about fostering? Contact us today to see how we can help kickstart your fostering journey.