LGBT Fostering: can I foster if I’m gay

If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, it’s important to know that at FosterCare UK we actively promote the inclusion of LGBT foster parents into our community. If you can meet the eligibility requirements, have the right personal qualities, and provide a loving home – then gender and sexual orientation will not rule you out as a potential foster carer.

This guide tackles misconceptions surrounding LGBT fostering as well as providing clarity on the factors that do determine eligibility.

LGBT Fostering – The Misconceptions

“I can’t foster if I’m gay or bisexual."

False – you can foster if you are gay or bisexual. Your sexual preferences will not affect your eligibility to foster in any way.

“My same sex relationship is stopping me from fostering.”

False – at FosterCare UK, we welcome and encourage same-sex foster couples.

“I can’t foster if I’m transgender.”

False – your gender will not be a determining factor in your fostering application.

“I’m gay but recently divorced, it’s not possible for me to foster.”

False – your sexual orientation will not affect your application at all and being recently single won’t necessarily affect your ability to take care of a child. However, during the application process, there will be a full account taken of your life. Divorce can affect your financial and emotional stability, and these factors are important to consider before you decide if fostering is right for you. Find out more about single parent fostering from our detailed guide.

LGBT Fostering – What matters

All potential foster parents, irrelevant of sexual preferences, must meet these initial requirements for fostering to continue with their application.

Factors including having a spare bedroom, being in good health, being at least 21 years of age, having enough time to provide child support and care (usually on a full-time basis) and being a full-time resident in the UK (or have leave to remain), must all be met.

Other factors, such as financial security, experience with children, having a safe home environment, a steady support network of friends and family to rely on and any past convictions, will also be considered for eligibility.

LGBT Fostering – The Final Message

If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or living in a same sex couple, and have ever wondered “can I foster?”, the answer is 100% “Yes”.

You can learn more about fostering requirements in the UK in our detailed guide. For more information on gay fostering, or fostering as a member of the LGBT community, get in touch with our friendly team of experts here at FosterCare UK. We’re always on hand to provide information and guidance around any fostering query.