Town hall backs LGBT+ fostering
STOCKPORT Council’s fostering service is supporting LGBT+ Adoption & Fostering Week campaign which is running until March 10.
The campaign is run by New Family Social and this year’s theme is ‘7 days to love’ with each day of the week focusing on different areas.
In Stockport there is a need for foster carers to come forward to offer foster homes to older children and siblings.
The council’s fostering team are encouraging LGBT+ individuals and couples to come forward to consider fostering.
Local foster carers James and Stephen, whose full details have not been provided because of the nature of their role, have been fostering teenagers and siblings for Stockport council for the last four years.
James, 34, said his parents have been foster carers for a few years so he and Stephen, 35, always wanted to follow suit.
He said: “Three years ago we decided we’d do something about it.
“We were uncertain about how being in a samesex relationship would affect us becoming foster carers. However, the system doesn’t discriminate. Stockport council were so supportive.
“The young people we work with are totally appreciative of the help and care they get. Our sexuality doesn’t even come into it.”
James said they have enough room for three children and wanted to be flexible.
He added: “It’s very rewarding to see the change in the children, even after a short period of time, it’s fantastic!”
Coun Colin Foster, cabinet member for family services, said like many areas of the country they are in particular need of foster carers for older children and sibling groups.
He added: “We know from experience that LGBT people often come to fostering with an open mind and real enthusiasm, as their first choice for forming a family.
“Many of our children have had a very traumatic start to life and we have seen them thrive with their new LGBT+ parents.
“We are always interested in hearing from anyone who is thinking of considering fostering.”
The fostering team hold regular open evenings for LGBT+ individuals to come and meet local foster carers and talk about the different schemes in Stockport.
For more information about becoming a foster carer in Stockport contact the council’s recruitment team on 0161 474 3400 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/ fostering.