Celebrating LGBTQ+ foster carers in Carmarthenshire

LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week (3-10 March) is a time to recognise the invaluable contributions of LGBTQ+ foster carers in providing safe, caring, and supportive homes for children and young people in foster care. As of February 2025, over 10% of fostering households in Carmarthenshire are part of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of our foster care network.

Foster Wales Carmarthenshire is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ foster carers and offers free gold membership to New Family Social, providing LGBTQ+ specific support, advice, and networking.

One of our foster carers, who wishes to remain anonymous, shares her journey and experiences of fostering as an LGBTQ+ individual. At age 47, she became a foster carer when her children grew up and left home and has been fostering for four years now.

Many people wonder whether they can foster if they’re single. This foster carer began her journey as a single foster carer. She met her current partner a few months after being approved. After a few years together, they decided the time was right to move in together and become joint foster carers.

Being LGBTQ+ brings unique strengths to fostering. Their experiences help foster children and young people appreciate diversity and inclusivity while providing them with positive role models.

Being open about our sexuality has allowed children and young people to share their own thoughts and feelings with us. A 12-year-old in our care told us that they were bisexual, as they felt comfortable that we were open, accepting and wouldn’t judge in any way.”

Cllr. Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Children and Families, said:

LGBTQ+ foster carers make an invaluable contribution to fostering, offering children and young people a safe and nurturing environment where they can feel accepted. We welcome people from all backgrounds, and our goal is to ensure that all children and young people in foster care have the right support they need to succeed.”

For anyone in the LGBTQ+ community considering fostering but feeling unsure, our foster carer has one key message:

It’s completely normal to have doubts, but your unique perspective and experiences can make a significant difference in a child or young person’s life. You can be a role model, showing them that it’s okay to be themselves and that they can thrive regardless of their identity.”

If you’re interested in fostering in Carmarthenshire, visit Foster Wales Carmarthenshire or contact us to learn more.