Foster care provides safe and loving homes for children who need them.
However important foster care is, it's the loving foster parents are the real heroes. They step in to care for kids when their own families cannot, offering stability, support, and love during tough times.
This is important because every child deserves a chance to grow up in a nurturing environment.
No matter who you are, fostering a child brings joy and happiness.
Hear it firsthand from former foster parent and Mentor Foster Care Family Development and Evaluation Specialist Erin Page-Brown:
“There are so many things that make it worth it. It is definitely fostering and adopting, but very much fostering, and that idea of fostering the family has been incredibly life-changing for me in such a good way.”
The key here is that anyone can foster as long as they meet the state requirements — including LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Erin Page-Brown is pictured here with her significant other.
This is great news for foster care since there’s always a growing need for loving foster parents!
In fact, LGBTQIA+ individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives to fostering and helping to meet the diverse needs of children in care.
Understanding LGBTQIA+ Fostering
Today, more LGBTQIA+ individuals are becoming foster parents than ever before.
Many agencies and organizations recognize the value that LGBTQ foster parents bring and actively support their inclusion in the foster care system.
Despite this progress, some LGBTQIA+ individuals may still face barriers when trying to become foster parents.
However, many states and agencies are working hard to create more welcoming and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ foster parents.
Benefits of LGBTQIA+ Individuals as Foster Parents for Children in Care
LGBTQIA+ foster parents offer several unique benefits for children in 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 may have faced rejection or discrimination in the past.
- Strong role models - LGBTQIA+ foster parents can serve as strong role models for children, 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 care, ensuring they receive the best possible nurturing and support.
Welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals into the foster care system 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 requirements generally include:
- Age - Most states have a minimum age requirement for foster parents that usually ranges from 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 home is safe and suitable for a child in care.
- Preservice sessions - Prospective foster parents must complete preservice sessions that covers 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 the key steps:
- Contact an organization - Start by contacting a local foster care organization. Many agencies 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 agency. This form collects basic information about you and your household.
- Home study - After your application is reviewed and accepted, it’s time for the home study. A social worker will visit your home to assess its safety and suitability for a child. This visit also involves interviews to understand your motivations and determine your readiness to become a foster parent.
- Approval - Once all steps are completed, the agency will review your case and, if everything is in order, approve you as a foster parent.
Legal Considerations and Protections for LGBTQIA+ Foster Parents
LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique legal considerations when becoming foster parents. 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.
- Adoption laws - If you plan to adopt a child that you are fostering, it’s crucial to understand the adoption laws in your state.
By understanding the requirements, navigating the application process, and being aware of legal protections, LGBTQIA+ individuals can successfully become foster parents and provide loving, supportive homes for children in need.
Common 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 the most common challenges include:
- Discrimination - Despite progress, some LGBTQIA+ individuals may still encounter discrimination from agencies or other foster parents. This can create a hostile or unwelcoming environment.
- Bias and misconceptions - There are often biases and misconceptions about LGBTQIA+ individuals' ability to parent. These can come from social workers, agencies, or even the children's birth families.
- Lack of support - LGBTQIA+ foster parents may sometimes feel isolated or a lack of support from their communities, 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. Here are some things to consider for LGBTQIA+ foster parents:
- Choose an inclusive organization - 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. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly helpful for others 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.
- Seek professional support - Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who understands LGBTQIA+ issues. Professional support can help you cope with any emotional challenges you might face.
Want to Change a Child's Life but Not Sure Where to Start?
Navigating your foster care journey can feel overwhelming at times — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care.
You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in care, and much more.