Latest News

LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week

Published: 08/03/2016

Are you Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender and considering adopting or fostering? As part of LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week (7-13 March) , Flintshire Fostering Service and the North Wales Adoption Service are holding a drop-in session at Springfield Hotel near Holywell on Saturday 12 March 10-12.30 LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week is run by New Family Social, the UK support group for LGBT adopters and foster carers. Each spring, fostering and adoption services across the UK hold events specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender prospective parents. Across the UK, there is a shortage of adopters and foster carers. Around 4,000 children need adopting every year. The Fostering Network estimates that there is an urgent need for 9,000 more foster carers in the UK. Adoptions by same-sex couples accounted for 7.8 per cent of all adoptions in Wales in 2014/15. Flintshire 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: There are many myths about fostering that we hope to dispel. Our foster carers in Flintshire are single, married, gay, straight, young, old, with and without children of their own. Everyone has something different to offer. The most important thing is that you have time, a spare bedroom and a safe, caring, loving home to offer to a child. 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.” 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. For more information on fostering and adoption visit the Flintshire Fostering Service website www.flintshirefostering.org.uk or www.northwalesadoption.gov.uk .