Same sex couples in Nottinghamshire urged to consider fostering children

There are currently 78,150 children in the care system across England and another 550 foster carers are needed across the East Midlands to meet demand and provide loving homes to vulnerable children and young people.

Ahead of LGBT+ History Month, which aims to promote the visibility of the LGBT+ community throughout society, fostering charity Five Rivers is challenging a common misconception that sexual orientation prevents LGBT+ members from fostering.

Almost 63 percent of people across the East Midlands are unaware that same sex couples or those from the LGBT+ community are eligible to foster.

Commenting on the need for more LGBT+ foster carers, Jennifer Sutton, fostering s ervices m anager at Five Rivers child care, said: “There’s a desperate need for more people to enter the fostering industry. With nearly 80,000 vulnerable young people in need of a safe home we want to challenge misconceptions that might prevent LGBT+ members from fostering.

“It’s extremely important to have a diverse range of foster carers across the country to reflect the diverse nature of the children and young people entering the care system and provide role models from all walks of life.

“We have some amazing LGBT+ carers who are enriching children’s and young people’s lives every day and encourage anyone who would like to do the same to get in touch.”

People from all walks of life can become foster carers as long as they are over 21 years of age. This includes single people, co-habiting couples, same sex couples and people living in rented accommodation – the only requirement is a private bedroom for each foster child.

For more information on Five Rivers Child Care, visit www.five-rivers.org/fostering/, call the enquiries team on 01246 558292 or email [email protected].