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Fostering Service supports LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week

Published: 20/03/2015

Flintshire Fostering Service joined together with Wrexham Fostering Team and the North Wales Adoption Service recently, to hold an event at Glyndwr University to encourage more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to become foster carers or adoptive parents. The event was held as part of LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week. Across the UK, there is a shortage of adopters and foster carers. Around 4,000 children need adopting every year, and an additional 8,000 foster carers must be found. Figures suggest that if just two percent of LGBT people came forward to foster or adopt, this shortfall could be met. Flintshire has three LGBT foster carers and is keen to encourage more LGBT couples or single carers to come forward. Councillor Christine Jones, Cabinet Member for Social Services at Flintshire County Council, said: “In our experience, LGBT foster carers and adopters have exactly the skills that we look for, and, more importantly, the determination that is essential to care for these vulnerable children and young people. “We were delighted that members of the LGBT community came to our event to hear about the process and to talk to LGBT carers about their experience. We look forward to starting them on their adoption or fostering journey.” Comments from visitors to the event included: “It was very interesting and insightful, and has given us a lot of food for thought.” “It has been very informative, friendly, personal and reassuring.” Young people already in foster care with LGBT people have also been speaking about their experiences. One said: “She is a funny, caring woman who makes me feel safe. I am very lucky to have come to live with her. If you are looking to foster and you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, dont let anything stop you. They have made me feel like I belong here and like Im part of their family, which is fantastic because you need to feel safe and happy.” Another young person in foster care said: “When I was told I was going to be staying in a placement with a gay couple I was actually excited the only thing that crossed my mind was what my friends would think or say but my friends were actually very supportive and got on really well. People should never judge a gay couple they are the most amazing and caring people you could ever meet. I wouldnt change my time there for the world.” Tor Docherty, Director of New Family Social, a social network run by LGBT adopters and foster carers for families and families-to-be, who organise LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, said: “While more and more LGBT people are choosing to adopt or foster, many are still put off by fears that they won’t be welcomed by agencies. Things have moved on in the last six years within adoption and fostering, and our large community of families across the UK is incredibly welcoming and supportive. It’s clear to see how well our children are doing, and what a positive and rewarding choice it can be for the parents”. For more information on fostering and adoption visit the Flintshire Fostering Service website www.flintshirefostering.org.uk or www.northwalesadoption.gov.uk . Notes for Editors The British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) estimates 4,000 children across the UK need adopting every year. The Fostering Network estimates that over 8,000 additional foster carers are needed across the UK. LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week is organised by New Family Social, a social network run by LGBT adopters and foster carers for families and families-to-be. Image Pictured are representatives from Flintshire Fostering Service, Wrexham Fostering Team and North Wales Adoption Service.