We spoke to, local resident, Ruth about her experiences growing up with LGBTQ+ foster siblings
How did your family start fostering?
My mum started to foster in the early 1990s. She was a single mum to myself and my brother. She had spent her life campaigning for social justice issues and campaigned with LGBTQ+ activists throughout the 1980s.
She was concerned about homelessness of LGBTQ+ youth and saw that the foster care system was struggling with the effects of homophobia. She heard about The Albert Kennedy Trust - now called akt - that placed homeless LGBTQ+ minors with affirming foster carers.
Our family received our first placement in 1992. Over the next few years we had 8 young people join our family. My mum then moved to foster children from all backgrounds and continued to do so until the late 1990s.
As a child, what was your experience of having foster children join your family?
When we had our first placement I was 10 years old. I found it really exciting to have someone new join the family. I quickly got used to the coming and going of various professionals in and out of our house. It's understandable that parents worry about the impact fostering may have on their birth children, but my experience was really positive. Living with foster siblings has certainly shaped my values and my ability to build lasting relationships with people from all walks of life.
What would you want to tell prospective foster carers?
I am currently not in a place in my life to foster, but I have considered it as an option in the future. I think my mum was such a good foster carer because she was passionate about political issues affecting young people and wanted to take action.
So much has changed for the better for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1990s, but the fight for liberation isn't over. LGBTQ+ youth continue to be disproportionately represented in youth homelessness populations and the care system. LGBTQ+ youth of today still need someone like my mum to welcome them into an accepting and loving home where they can truly be themselves.
Lewisham Council fostering
Lewisham Council offers all foster carers competitive allowances, support and training. There are a range of different fostering options from short-term, emergency placements to long-term, permanent placements, and social workers speak with potential carers to see what works for their lives and families.
Most importantly, Lewisham foster carers are part of a community made up of truly passionate, caring and experienced social workers and carers who are making a real difference in their local community.
If you think you could make a difference in a child's life contact us for an informal discussion on 0800 015 0129 or email fosteringrecruitment@lewisham.gov.uk. Alternatively visit our website for more information on fostering.