At Foster for East Midlands Councils, we welcome foster carers from all communities – what is important is your ability to offer a safe, supportive, and loving home. As we honour Pride Month, we’re shining a light on the incredible contribution LGBTQ+ carers make to our fostering community and want to encourage more people to consider whether fostering could be the perfect role for them.  

Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or simply want to learn more, this Q&A may help highlight the vital role LGBTQ+ carers play in transforming children’s lives.

Who can foster?

Anyone over the age of 21 years old can foster!  What is important is that you have the space and time in your life to give a child the love, safety and routine that they need.  All of our children are different, and we know having a vibrant and diverse community of foster carers with families of all shapes and sizes gives us the best chance to provide the nurturing environments they all need.  

How do I start the process to become a foster carer?

The first step is to speak to someone on the Foster for East Midlands team about you and your circumstances.  You will receive a friendly and welcoming response - we are always looking at the potential people have to become foster carers.  Any aspects of your life that are more personal to you are treated sensitively and respectfully – we know that some aspects that a person might feel more cautious about sharing are actually what make you more skilled in understanding how a child in your care might be feeling. 

What does the assessment to become a foster carer look like?

All of our foster carers across our four councils go through the same assessment to become a foster carer.  The assessment looks at you, your life and circumstances, and how these shape the type of carer you can be for a child.  We know that your identity is an important part of you and your life and this is celebrated within the assessment.  At Foster for East Midlands we are committed to equality and inclusivity.

What support will I receive?

We know how important support is for our foster carers.  All four councils within our region offer a comprehensive, inclusive support package, including support that is bespoke to you and your family.  You will have your own social worker who will be there to support, advocate, guide and celebrate with you as a foster carer.  You will also be part of more informal support networks with like-minded carers – for our LGBT+ carers and allies, alongside other support groups we have a Fostering Inclusivity group where you can share valuable information, guidance and resources to support you and the children in your care.

How will I be matched with a child to care for?

We understand the importance of finding the right fostering home for every one of our children – we consider you and your circumstances alongside the child’s needs and background as part of this process.

Pride is More Than a Month

Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, identity, and inclusion—but our commitment doesn’t end in June. At Foster for East Midlands Councils, we stand with the LGBTQ+ community every single day. We know that love makes a family—and LGBTQ+ foster carers bring love, compassion, and resilience to the children they care for.

Thinking About Fostering?

If you’ve ever considered fostering—or just want to learn more—we’d love to hear from you. Whether you're single, in a couple, LGBTQ+ or not, what matters most is your heart. Together, we can create brighter futures for children across the East Midlands. Get in touch with your local council fostering team via Foster for East Midlands Councils today call 03033 132 950, email [email protected].

Read Lyn and Shelley's foster carers story, caring for over 100 children - visit our news web page 

Shelley and Lyn Foster Carers

Fostering information events, online and in-person
Come and say hello, and lets talk fostering. 

Pride Events Foster for East Midlands will be attending are: 

Special 'All for One' Drop-In Event
Friday 13 June, 3.30pm and 7pm
Arnold Library, 161 Front Street, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE
Drop in anytime during the session to find out everything about fostering.

Online via Zoom
Email [email protected] for a link to join:

  • Friday 20 June, 12pm–1pm
  • Tuesday 1 July, 6:30pm–7:30pm
  • Thursday 17 July, 12 noon–1pm

In Person
Register your place at fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/events:

  • Wednesday 25 June, 6pm–7pm, Belper Leisure Centre
  • Tuesday 8 July, 6:15pm–7:15pm, Richard Herrod Centre, Nottingham
  • Tuesday 22 July, 6:30pm–7:30pm, Nottingham Road Fire Station, Derby

For full event details and more, visit Foster for East Midlands information event web page.