Fostering

A number of local authorities employ lesbian and gay foster parents and it is often easier for a lesbian or gay man to be approved as a foster parent than as a prospective adopter.

Fostering in England and Wales

To be approved as a foster parent the applicant has to satisfy a detailed assessment.

Who can foster
In 1991 there was a debate about whether lesbians and gay men could apply to be foster parents. Stonewall made representations to the Minister of Health and the guidance issued on family placements, while not very welcoming, makes it clear that lesbians and gay men can be considered:

"It would be wrong to arbitrarily exclude any particular groups of people from consideration, but the chosen way of life of some adults may mean that they would not be able to provide a suitable environment for the care and nurture of a child. No one has the ‘right’ to be a foster parent. Fostering decisions must centre exclusively on the interests of the child."

(The Children Act 1989, Guidance and regulations, Vol. 3, Family Placements, 1991)

The same guidance went on to state that the needs of young lesbians and gay men being fostered should also be acknowledged.

"The needs and concerns of gay young men and women must also be recognised and approached sympathetically" - The Children Act 1989, Guidance and regulations, Vol. 3, Family Placements, 1991.

What happens in practice
In practice some authorities welcome lesbian and gay applicants and others do not, but gradually the picture is changing. Overall there is still a great shortage of foster parents so many local authorities have come to the conclusion that prejudice should not restrict the pool of potential foster parents.