A foster carer is encouraging members of the LGBTQ+ communities to consider the fostering and adoption opportunities available through Leicestershire County Council.
Claire, who is a specialist foster carer alongside her wife Vicky, is sharing their experience of fostering with the county council as a gay couple, and highlighting the “incredibly effective” support and training they receive.
They are looking after a twelve-year-old girl at their Leicestershire home who is “doing really well” in their care.
Reflecting on their experience as LGBTQ+ foster carers, Claire said: “Families are all varied and exciting and interesting, and we’re just one of those, really.
“Being gay is just part of being a blended family; we bring our skills and our experiences, and work through the ups and downs of family life, as all families do.
“Leicestershire have been great at supporting us as individuals, for who we are, within the fostering process, and it has made it really enjoyable. It’s made us feel like we’re part of a team.”
Person:Claire, a foster carer
There are currently more than 700 children and young people in care across Leicestershire, and a further 21 children waiting to find their forever home through adoption.
Leicestershire is currently supporting 13 LGBTQ+ households in the adoption process, and is pledging the continuation of maximum support to all new applicants.
Expanding on how her identity allows her to connect with and guide her young person, Claire added: “One of the things she struggles with is that she doesn’t like to tell people she’s fostered, just like I didn’t want to tell people that I was gay when I was younger.
“It can sometimes feel that you live two lives. I think there’s an empathy we’re able to have there – an empathy that can support self-acceptance.
“I think there’s an understanding that you’re able to pass on to them too – that you can achieve the goals you set for yourself in life, no matter what barriers there appear to be on the outside, or the feelings of difference you may have on the inside.”
Speaking on the ongoing support they receive from the team, Claire added: “There’s a team that ‘wraps’ around you and provides support to you or your young person. That was really appealing when we were looking to foster, and it is incredibly effective.”
Claire and Vicky’s experience is being shared by Leicestershire County Council during LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week, an awareness campaign led by charity New Family Social.
“We celebrate diversity and inclusion here at Leicestershire County Council, and that certainly extends to our fostering and adoption recruitment. We aim to create a diverse pool of carers for our children in care, to give them the best support possible.
“No matter your identity or beliefs, we encourage every individual, couple or household that is interested in making a positive change to Leicestershire’s children to get in touch with the team or attend one of our multiple information events.”
Person:Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for children and families
Anyone wanting to speak with the fostering and adoption team can call 0116 305 0505.