LGBTQ+ Fostering

Fostering can change the lives of many children in care. The right support and guidance from our foster carers can positively impact the lives of vulnerable children forever. No matter your gender, sexual orientation or pronouns, members of the LGBTQ+ community are able to foster. Here at Excel Fostering, we actively promote the inclusion of LGBTQ+ foster parents into our community. Learn more about LGBT fostering from our detailed guide.

Can I foster if I am part of the LGBTQ+ community?

Here at Excel Fostering, we believe in inclusivity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, looking to make a positive difference to the lives of children in care. We handle each application in the same way to ensure a fair process across the board.

We simply ask that you are able to meet the initial fostering requirements and are committed to offering a safe, stable and loving home to the children in your care.

How does the LGBTQ+ community impact the foster care community?

We are proud allies of the LGBTQ+ community, which extends to the many LGBTQ+ young people in our care. By fostering strong relationships with our carers from the LGBTQ+ community, we’re able to provide a safe and supportive space for young people in care to explore their identity and sexual orientation without judgment. With the help of our training and support, we believe you can help make children in your care feel accepted and confident with who they are.

Can I foster if I’m gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer?

Yes – you are able to foster if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer. Your sexual preferences are not a deciding factor for your eligibility as a foster carer – as long as you are able to meet the initial fostering requirements. Identifying as a member of the LQBTQ+ community will have no impact on your application or assessment process.

I’m in a same sex relationship – can I foster?

If you are in a same sex relationship, you are able to foster. Here at Excel Fostering, we actively seek and encourage same-sex foster couples – so this would not hinder your ability to foster in any way.

Can I foster if I am transgender?

Yes – you can foster a child if you are transgender. Your gender is not a consideration or specification when it comes to assessing your eligibility to become a foster carer.

Can I foster if I am part of the LGBTQ+ community but unmarried?

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and not married, this will not affect your ability to foster. You are able to foster as a single parent – so being unmarried or recently single would not necessarily affect your ability to take care of a child in need of care so long as you can provide a safe, stable family environment for your foster child.

Can I foster if I am part of the LGBTQ+ community but divorced?

If you are divorced or recently divorced, this is likely to be discussed during your fostering assessment process. Marriages and Civil Partnerships are significant relationships – and as the fostering assessment process looks to attain a full account of your life from birth to present, it will be important to discuss the recent marriage or partnership.

Divorce can also often bring financial instability, changes to your emotional state and adjustments to your social circle and support network - so it’s important to understand the implications your divorce has had upon your life.

For more information about LGBTQ+ fostering or fostering as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, get in touch with our team of experts at 01253 712734. We’re always on hand to provide information and guidance around any fostering query.