Couples and individuals from the LGBT+ community are being encouraged to find out more about adoption and fostering.
As part of LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2021 this week, an information session will be held on Thursday by Cumbria County Council.
The theme of this year’s awareness week is ‘Build Your Family’ and Cumbrian foster carer Ali Faulkner-Luke is urging couples and individuals from the LGBT+ community to find out more about the parenting routes open to them during the campaign.
“Fostering has been the most rewarding experience ever and if you are thinking of fostering – make the call or fill the forms in and make a difference. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do,” explained Ali.
Ali and her wife Ang, who live near Ulverston, have been fostering for two years. They are approved as short-term foster carers for children under the age of three.
Ali added: “We wanted to draw on our skills and experience as teachers to nurture and support children. We weren’t sure whether we would be suitable for fostering and whether we had what it takes but the support we’ve received right from the first phone call to moving on our first child, has been incredible.”
There are about 750 children and young people in care in Cumbria and many of these children need the love and support of a foster family.
To become a foster carer you must be over 21 and have a least one spare bedroom in your home, as well as the time and commitment to make a difference in a child’s life.
Find out more
Cumbria County Council’s fostering information event, An Audience with an LGBT Foster Carer, takes place on Thursday from 6pm to 7pm, and offers those thinking about fostering the opportunity to hear from experienced foster carer, Ali Faulkner-Luke.
During the event, she will share her experience of applying to foster, the approval process, the training and support available (during and after placements are made) and much more.
After there will be the opportunity to ask Ali any questions and to speak to the team.
To join the information event on Zoom simply click on this link at the start of the session at 6pm and you will be admitted to the Zoom meeting – https://zoom.us/j/99082558447
Find out more at Cumbria.gov.uk/fostering or call 0303 333 1216.
