Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in the fostering service

One in every three LGBTQ+ people believe that their sexuality or gender identity will in some way hinder their fostering application. Lewisham Council is committed to ensuring that LGBTQ+ people feel welcomed and supported during their application process and as foster carers. With the number LGBTQ+ young people increasing, LGBTQ+ foster carers’ lived experiences are invaluable in giving young people the self-affirming and understanding home environments they deserve.

Foster carers are offered training and support in helping LGBTQ+ young people feel their identity is respected and understood. Lewisham carer Kylie, who recently went on Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth training, said, “I undertook the training as I knew it could be relevant to the young people who may come into my care as they are at an age where they are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.  A relative of my young person has recently come out as trans so it also helps me discuss this with my young person in a sensitive way.

“The training covered simple aspects like defining terms seen in popular culture, and  topics on ‘how gender identities are and have been different in other cultures across the world and throughout history’. I found this particularly interesting given that we live in a very binary culture in the UK”.

If you are committed to helping young people explore their identities in a safe and caring environment and want to help them reach their full potential, consider fostering for Lewisham.

Call 0800 015 0129 or email at fosteringrecruitment@lewisham.gov.uk alternatively find out more by visiting our web page.