LGBTQIA+ Fostering: What to Know as an LGBTQIA+ Foster Parent

Foster care provides safe and loving homes for children who need them. While the system plays a crucial role, it's the loving foster parents who are the real heroes. They step in to care for kids when their own families cannot, offering stability, support, and love during tough times. 

Every child deserves a chance to grow up in a nurturing environment, and the need for these dedicated individuals is ever present. The good news is that the pool of potential foster parents is incredibly diverse and growing.

In fact, a recent survey shows that 37% of LGBTQIA+ adults have seriously considered fostering a child, and 32% have seriously considered adoption, compared with 23% and 15% of non-LGBTQIA+ adults, respectively. This significant interest highlights a powerful resource for children in need of loving parents.

The key here is that anyone can foster as long as they meet their state’s requirements — including LGBTQIA+ individuals.

This is great news for foster care and the growing need for loving foster parents! In addition, LGBTQIA+ individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives to foster parenting and meeting the diverse needs of children in foster care.

Understanding LGBTQIA+ Fostering

Today, more LGBTQIA+ individuals are becoming foster parents than ever before. This growing trend is crucial, especially considering that LGBTQIA+ children and youth make up about 30% of those in foster care. 

This is a significant overrepresentation compared to the percentage reflected in the general youth population — and a statistic that underscores the urgent need for affirming and understanding foster families and homes for LGBTQIA+ kids in foster care.

Many organizations dedicated to foster care explicitly recognize the immense value that LGBTQIA+ foster parents bring, and they are actively working to support their inclusion in the fostering process. 

Some examples of these efforts include:

• developing inclusive organizational policies 
• providing specific educational programs for staff to support LGBTQIA+ potential foster parents
• creating welcoming environments, from the initial inquiry through the entire fostering journey

However, despite notable progress, some LGBTQIA+ individuals may still face barriers when trying to become foster parents.

Fortunately, many states and organizations are actively working to dismantle these hurdles and create even more support for LGBTQIA+ foster parents, ensuring that every child in foster care has the best possible chance to find a loving home.

Benefits of LGBTQIA+ Individuals as Foster Parents for Children in Foster Care

LGBTQIA+ foster parents offer several unique benefits for children in foster care:

• Diverse perspectives - LGBTQIA+ individuals often bring diverse life experiences and perspectives that can enrich a child’s upbringing. They can teach children about acceptance, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself.
• Inclusive environments - LGBTQIA+ foster parents can provide safe and inclusive homes where children feel accepted and valued for who they are. This is especially important for children who are also LGBTQIA+ or have faced rejection or discrimination in the past. 

The need for such affirming spaces is critical. The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQIA+ Youth Mental Health reveals that rates of suicide attempts are higher among LGBTQIA+ youth of color in foster care and non-binary/transgender youth in foster care. 

• Strong role models - LGBTQIA+ foster parents can serve as strong role models for children in foster care, showing them that it is possible to lead a fulfilling and happy life regardless of one’s identity or background.
• Advocacy skills - Many LGBTQIA+ individuals have experience advocating for their rights. They can use these skills to advocate for the needs of children in foster care, ensuring they receive the best possible nurturing and support.

Welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals to foster parenting creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children, helping them to thrive and grow into confident, well-rounded adults.

The Journey to Become a Foster Parent as an LGBTQIA+ Individual

The journey to becoming a foster parent begins with understanding the basic requirements. The process is no different for LGBTQIA+ individuals, since they must meet the same qualifications as any other potential foster parent. 

The basic requirements generally include:

• Age - Most states have a minimum age requirement for foster parents, usually 18 to 25 years old, depending on the type of foster care you choose.
• Background checks - In most states, a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and criminal record screening, is required. 
• Home study - A home study is conducted to ensure the environment is safe and suitable for a child in foster care.
• Preservice sessions - Prospective foster parents must complete preservice sessions that cover topics such as child development, trauma, and the responsibilities of foster parenting. For therapeutic foster parenting, there might be additional preservice sessions required. 

Once the initial requirements are met, LGBTQIA+ individuals can begin the application process. Here are some key steps:

• Contact an organization - Start by contacting a local foster care organization. Many of them are welcoming and inclusive, but it’s important to choose one that explicitly supports LGBTQIA+ foster parents. For example, Mentor Foster Care welcomes foster parents from all backgrounds!
• Submit an application - Complete and submit the application form provided by the organization. This form collects basic information about you and your household to initiate the foster parenting process.
• Home study - After your application is reviewed and accepted, it’s time for the home study. Your home and family dynamics will be evaluated to assess the safety and suitability for a child in foster care. This process also involves interviews to determine your readiness to become a foster parent.
• Licensing - Once all steps are completed and approved, including preservice sessions and other requirements, the organization and state will review your case. If everything is in order, you will receive your license as a foster parent.

Are There Legal Protections for LGBTQIA+ Individuals Who Want to Foster or Adopt?

In most cases, LGBTQIA+ individuals have legal protections if they wish to foster or adopt. Here are some key points to consider:

• Non-discrimination laws - Many states have non-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals from being denied the opportunity to foster based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s important to be aware of the laws in your state.
• Safe and affirming placements - A recent federal rule, as of April 2024, mandates that state and tribal child welfare agencies must ensure safe and affirming placements for LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care, further supporting LGBTQIA+ foster parents. 
• Adoption laws - If you plan to adopt a child that you are fostering, it’s crucial to understand the specific adoption laws in your state. 

By understanding the requirements, navigating the license process, and being aware of legal protections, LGBTQIA+ individuals can successfully become foster parents and provide loving, supportive homes for children in foster care.

Potential Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ Individuals in the Fostering Process

Unfortunately, some LGBTQIA+ individuals may face unique challenges when becoming foster parents. However, there are ways to overcome them.

Some of these potential challenges include:

• Discrimination - Despite progress, some LGBTQIA+ individuals may still encounter discrimination from organizations, local communities, or other foster parents. This can create an unwelcoming environment.
• Bias and misconceptions - There are often biases and misconceptions about LGBTQIA+ individuals and their ability to parent. These can come from social workers, organizations, or possibly the child's birth family.
• Lack of support - LGBTQIA+ foster parents sometimes feel isolation or lack of support from the communities where they live, making the fostering journey more difficult.

Tips for Addressing and Overcoming These Challenges

Though the foster parent journey may include challenges for LGBTQIA+ individuals, there are ways to overcome these obstacles and people who are ready to support your success. 

Here are some things to consider for LGBTQIA+ foster parents:

• Choose an inclusive organization - Do research and choose a foster care organization known for its support and inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ foster parents. Look for agencies with explicit non-discrimination policies. 
• Educate and advocate - Be prepared to educate others about LGBTQIA+ issues and advocate for your rights. This can help dispel biases and misconceptions.
• Build a support network - Connect with other LGBTQIA+ foster parents through local or online support groups. Shared experiences and advice can be incredibly helpful for those who are going through something similar. 
• Stay informed - Stay informed about your legal rights and protections as an LGBTQIA+ foster parent. After all, knowledge is power, and it can help you navigate any discriminatory practices you may encounter.

Ultimately, becoming a foster parent reflects commitment and an open heart to helping children in foster care who deserve love and acceptance. LGBTQIA+ foster parents not only meet the needs of these children, but their positive impact and strength is an inspiration.

Want to Change a Child's Life but Not Sure Where to Start?

Navigating your foster parenting journey as an LGBTQIA+ individual can sometimes feel overwhelming — but you don't have to do it alone.

Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginner’s Guide to Foster Care.

You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in foster care, and much more.