Foster caring is a great way to give back to your community and help vulnerable young people when they need it the most. The best thing about foster care is that it’s open to everyone. Whether you’re a single or a couple, old or young, have kids or are childless, everyone is able to apply to become a foster carer.
Anglicare Victoria are proud of our diversity and inclusion, which of course extends to same-sex couples. We get a lot of questions about LGBTQIA+ community couples wanting to apply as foster carers, and whether it’s possible. The answer is always: yes, LGBTQIA+ community couples are encouraged to apply for foster care!
Here, we discuss the benefits of LGBTQIA+ community couples in foster care and how they can make a huge difference to a young person’s life.
Diversity and inclusion in foster care
Foster carers come from a diverse range of social, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation backgrounds. Anglicare Victoria encourages applications from all members of the LGBTQIA+ community to become foster parents. If you’re interested in applying for foster care, reach out to the team at Anglicare Victoria to learn more.
The benefits of LGBTQIA+ community couples in foster care
We encourage same-sex couples with a keen interest to apply as foster parents. Not only does it come with personal growth opportunities for you, but studies show that children can benefit hugely from having foster parents who are in a same-sex couple.
- Fostering Inclusivity: Creating Supportive Environments for All Children
Foster children often grow up in challenging environments, and this can be especially true for those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, as they may face higher rates of abuse or violence. It’s crucial to understand that our goal in foster care placement is to match each child with the most suitable foster carers, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment for their growth and well-being. For a young person who may identify as LGBTQIA+, having carers who are knowledgeable about and sensitive to LGBTQIA+ issues can offer a uniquely affirming and understanding space.
**However, it’s important to note that we don’t exclusively match LGBTQIA+ children with LGBTQIA+ carers; rather, we strive to create the best possible matches based on a variety of factors to foster a positive and supportive environment for every child in our care.
- Supporting and Shaping Tolerance
It’s proven that children who grow up around the LGBTQIA+ community are often more open-minded and tolerant than those who are raised in closed-minded households. By offering your foster care as a LGBTQIA+ community couple, you have the power to change the world for the better, leading to a more inclusive society.
Get in touch with Anglicare Victoria today
If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community interested in applying to be a foster carer, Anglicare Victoria are your first port of call. Our mission is to empower and support children who’ve had a tough start to life by giving them safe, loving foster homes all over Victoria. If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer or helping out behind the scenes, contact our Carer Recruitment Team and enquire about applying today.
