At Time Out Fostering we welcome applications to foster from the LGBTQ+ community. Subject to all the usual checks and references (described on this website), there is absolutely no reason why you cannot foster with us.
We asked one of our carers what she thought about this statement. Her reply below says it far better than we can. She has very kindly let us share it with you.
I’ve been with Time Out Fostering almost two years and I chose them because of the ethos was one of ‘small therefore supportive’. I’m a single carer and felt I needed that family feeling. I wanted to feel like I was part of a small group where I was known and had a sense of belonging. This is how I best feel that I’m supported. My identity as a gay woman didn’t knowingly feel part of the equation as to why I chose TOF, although I guess it may have added to my need ‘to belong’ as such.
My experience with Time Out Fostering has lived up to my expectations of what I felt I wanted from them. I’m treated like I am “me” with my own strength and individuality. As a foster carer it is important to look at your own resilience. TOF gives me a good foundation; a network of professionals and other carers where I am valued, can feel confident and I’m rewarded for the job I do.
You may have noticed I haven’t even mentioned my sexuality much. In this agency I am not lesbian person any more than straight people are defined by who they love! I’m just myself. And as I’ve never felt awkward about this, then my attitude that it is a non-issue is in my life has become how my kids see it for theirs. They know they can tell me if this is ever not the case though.
My partner of now 1 year reiterated this when I asked her to tell me her experiences of TOF in an LGBTQI sense. And her words were similar to mine. She felt she was treated as any person would be treated coming into a family unit with vulnerable children. They wanted to know that she was safe and respectful, and you knew how to be supportive and understanding of the unique needs of the fostering family unit and how she might affect that. She felt treated with the same care as any other person would be. “The fact I’m gay didn’t even enter my head!” she said, laughing.
What made me smile is how, just like family would, our happiness as a couple is seen as positive. We are a couple supporting each other and the children in such a positive way, and that is the important aspect, not what our genders are!
The agency really does support you as an individual, whoever you are, so that you can then best support the children in your care… And this is just as it should be.
If there is anything else you would like to know do get in touch – we would love to hear from you.