Your local councils are working together to recruit more LGBTQ+ foster carers
There are various ‘pathways to family’. We recognise that for members of the LGBTQ+ community there are additional challenges when you decide to become a family whether you are single or have a partner. Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex County Councils have joined together to host a series of information events which will include current information about the pathways of fostering, adoption and surrogacy.
Fostering facts
There are myths about what makes a good foster carer, many of which are outdated and untrue, but the fact is your local authority needs more foster carers now. Nationally, The Fostering Network’s 2024 report estimates that “around 6,500 more foster families are needed across the UK to make sure every child receives the care they need and is well supported in their community.” A shortage of local foster carers leads to children being separated from siblings or placed in care further from communities familiar to them (like school and extended family.) So if you’ve ever considered becoming a foster carer, please read on…
Fact: Fostering changes the lives of children and young people by offering them a safe, stable and loving home when they are unable to live with their birth family which might be short- or long-term or include fostering-to-adopt. The children’s parents may need help through a difficult time, the child or young person is experiencing difficulties that their parents feel unable to manage, or it is unsafe for a child to remain at home due to neglect or abuse.
More facts: Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, with lots of different experiences and skills. LGBTQ+ foster carers are a vital part of our fostering community. There is a robust and supportive network around you, professional training for new and experienced foster carers and competitive rates of pay for this unique role. Fostering is more flexible than you might think too. The various types of fostering you choose can fit around your lifestyle and life stage.
Foster Carers are self-employed, can work from home and receive:
- Weekly payments with additional allowances and tax benefits
- Ongoing professional and peer support
- Comprehensive training and development
- The chance to make a real and lasting difference to local children
- Peace of mind when fostering for your not-for-profit local authority - all your council’s resources are directed to children, young people and foster carers.
Myth: You need to be a parent to foster
In fact, you don’t need any formal qualifications as you will receive lots of great training before you get approved as a foster carer. Like parenting, fostering isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being there. You may have had some ‘ups & downs’ over the years; those colourful experiences will stand you in good stead with the patience and understanding that children in care need.
If you have a spare bedroom, some previous childcare experience (which you may have enjoyed through family, work, or as a volunteer) and have the time and energy to put a child’s need first, your local authority fostering team wants to hear from you!
Take the first step today…
To find out what makes a great foster carer, head to our fostering website for more details and enquiry form – better still, sign up and come along to one of our information events. There are online events specifically aimed at the LGBTQ+ community where you might feel most comfortable asking some questions, but everyone is welcome to join our general information events too.
We have a pop-up information event coming up in Eastbourne at 6pm Monday 22nd September which will be an ideal opportunity to meet our team in person and find out how we will positively support your application to foster in East Sussex. The teams from My Surrogacy Journey and Adoption South East will be there on the night to explain those pathways and answer your questions too. Sign up via the link below or on our information events page or call us 01323 464129.
Click here to book onto one of our collaborative information sessions
Still unsure?
Becoming a foster carer is a big decision. We know it usually takes a couple of years from thinking to acting on the information you have. We have experienced foster carers from all walks of life and can arrange for someone in a similar situation to give you a call for an informal chat either before or after an information event.
…and if fostering still isn’t for you (now or in the future) but you know someone who would make a fantastic carer, you can still play an important part as a fostering ally by sharing our messages, events and news on Instagram and Facebook. Why not suggest they sign up for our fostering email alerts too?
For more information from your local authority fostering teams, visit:
• Brighton and Hove City Council
• East Sussex County Council
• West Sussex County Council
Adoption South East (adoptionsoutheast.org.uk) is a partnership of councils from East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and Surrey working to make the adoption process quicker and simpler. We have a wealth of expertise in bringing together children with safe, secure, loving and permanent adoptive families.
My Surrogacy Journey (mysurrogacyjourney.com) is a not-for-profit surrogacy organisation, founded by Michael and Wes, who have two children through surrogacy. Its experienced team of fertility and surrogacy experts provide surrogates and intended parents with emotional, clinical and practical support.