Breaking down barriers to find children loving homes
LANCASHIRE County Council is backing a campaign which encourages people from the lesbian, gay, bi or transgender (LGBT) community to consider fostering or adoption.
Now in its seventh year, LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week runs until Sunday, March 11, and is run by New Family Social, the network for LGBT adoptive and foster families.
County Councillor Susie Charles, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “We are fortunate in Lancashire to have a number of same-sex couples who are providing stable and loving homes for children and young people who cannot live with their own families.
“We always need more foster carers and adoptive parents from all walks of life, and I want to remind people that we welcome applications from people of all ages, single, married, cohabiting, in same-sex relationships, with or without their own children, working or not. “What the children and young people need most of all is to be with people who have a caring nature, who enjoy being with children and have a determination to see it through.
“Our children need people to stand by them.
“I’m delighted that we are supporting this year’s LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week. “LGBT people make great parents and there are so many children waiting for a loving home, either temporary or permanent. Perhaps you could be a parent to a child who is waiting.
“To be considered as foster carers or adoptive parents, people need to be over 21, and living in or close to Lancashire.”
A package of support is available 24/7 to help foster carers in their role, including local support groups, their own social worker, a dedicated helpline and flexible training.
Out-of-hours support for foster carers is available via a dedicated help-line, staffed by experienced social workers.
Training is flexible, including during school hours, evenings and weekends and online training, and can be tailored to the needs of any child.
Recognising that adoptive families require support at different times and even when the adoption has taken place, there is also a range of support services and advice available.
To find out more about fostering or adoption, please get in touch on 0300 123 6723.