“We are just a couple who foster”
Telford & Wrekin Council is supporting LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Adoption & Fostering Week with an appeal for more foster carers.
More LGBT carers are needed to provide loving stable homes for children.
David 45, from Telford, is a full-time carer for a girl on short-term placement and a boy who has been with them for 6 years and is very much part of the family. David’s partner of 12 years works in the education sector.
David said: “The reason for fostering was so we could parent together and help at the same time.
“We have looked after 15 children over the 6 years we have been fostering. One of our current placements is a long term match and he will stay with us until he reaches adulthood and beyond.
“He has special needs and it has been such a learning curve for us working with him. We’ve watched him grow and develop, it’s very rewarding. We’ve learnt so much about special needs. He is very much a part of our family. He calls us both ‘Dad’ and he calls my mum ‘Nan’.
“We are open and honest with the children who come to us; as soon as you walk into our house there is a wedding photo and we do explain to the children about same sex couples. The children come with no prejudices.
“Telford & Wrekin Council has treated us positively. There is no difference to anybody else; you receive the same training, the same guidance and the same level of support You go through the selection process on your own merits as a person.
“I would urge anybody thinking of starting a family to foster, as long as you can offer a nurturing, safe, secure, stable and supportive environment, which is what any home should be.
“It opens new doors for you. It opens your eyes. We do appreciate the chance and the opportunity.”
Cllr Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Cllr Paul Watling - Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Communities said: “We’re always looking for new foster families to look after children and young people in care in the borough.
“And, we are looking for people who, like David, care for children not just in the short-term, but in the long-term too; seeing them into adulthood.
“The selection process is quite rigorous in order to ensure that carers can meet the needs of children.
“We need foster carers who can look after children with challenging behaviour and we want to be able to place children and young people with foster families that can meet their needs and without being split up from their brothers and sisters.”
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, call 01952 387387, visit www.telfordfostering.co.uk. Like Fostering Telford on facebook www.facebook.com/telfordfoster or follow on twitter @telfordfoster
