People from LGBTQ+ community urged to consider fostering or adoption

The annual campaign encourages more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender+ people to consider adoption and fostering and celebrates the achievements of those who've already done so. 

Many lesbian, gay, and bisexual people still believe they will be discriminated against by agencies if they apply to become foster parents.

Chad and Brad were approved as Foster Wales Swansea foster carers in September 2022, and whilst they initially had worries that they would be judged as a same-sex couple, any anxiety they had, soon disappeared.

Chad said: "That first phone call to Foster Wales Swansea was such a relief. We were both worried that we would be judged by professionals as openly gay men when we decided it was the right time for us to foster.

"But this was most definitely not the case. We were made to feel so welcome and all our worries disappeared immediately.

"The day came that we finally got approved and our life's have changed forever. This really has been the best decision we have ever made. A lot of that has been down to the support that Foster Wales Swansea have given us."  

Louise Gibbard, Swansea's Cabinet Member for Care Services, said: "We always need more foster carers from all walks of life, with different experiences, and welcome applications for a cross section of society. We simply need people to come forward who can offer stability, love, and resourcefulness and who can help and support a child with whatever needs they may have."

Fostering with Swansea Council offers full training, support, and the opportunity to learn new skills, as well as receive a financial allowance.

To be considered as a foster carer with Foster Wales Swansea, you need a spare bedroom, be over 18, and live in Swansea.

Foster Wales Swansea is keen to talk to prospective foster carers and is holding an information evening in the community room at Tesco Llansamlet on Wednesday March 13 between 6pm and 8pm.

Booking is not needed and people can drop in to meet the team and foster carers, ask questions and find out more about the fostering process.

For more information on fostering, contact Foster Wales Swansea on 0300 555 0111 or visit www.swansea.fosterwales.gov.wales.