LGBTQ+ Foster Families

Currently, we do not know how many LGBTQ+  foster parents there are in England as there is no national dataset collated or published (why? we don’t know!). Comparatively, last year 1 in 5 adoptions were to LGBTQ+ people and this trend has increased year on year since statistics began. Our parent charity, Adoption Matters, are proud to report that 40% of their adopters approved in 2025 identified as LGBTQ+.

Inclusivity underpins the ethos of Foster Care Matters and we work hard at raising awareness within the LGBTQ+ community at dispelling unhelpful myths such as the misconception that LGBTQ+ people cannot foster.

• Are single, divorced or living with a partner
• Are already a parent or have never parented – having some experience of caring for children is beneficial
• Are Heterosexual or LGBTQ+
• Are of any ethnicity, culture or religion
• Have a disability or physical illness – a medical will be undertaken to ensure that fostering is compatible with your condition
• If you live with or have previously lived with any mental health conditions – fostering is challenging, a medical will be undertaken to ensure that fostering will not exacerbate any issues you may have.
• Are working, unemployed or retired
• Are renting or own your home – you need to provide a child with their own bedroom
• Are able to work with a wide variety of professionals supporting the child
• Have empathy for birth families
• If you don’t drive but have good access to public transport
• Have the passion and desire to help a child really matter

As a proud member of New Family Social, a UK charity, led by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers, this allows all Foster Care Matters approved foster parents who identify as LGBTQ+ will have free membership to New Family Social offering a host of benefits such as members meet up, peer support, advice line and a summer camp.