Leading fostering agency Foster Care Associates (FCA), which runs an office here on the Isle of Wight is calling for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) single people and couples to consider becoming foster carers.

The call, ahead of LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week (6th-12th March), reinforces the positive contribution LGBT foster carers make helping children and young people.

FCA has built a reputation as one of the leaders in championing and supporting LGBT foster carers for more than 17 years. They were one of the first independent fostering agencies to offer LGBT diversity training for all their carers and staff, and has been recognised as one of the UK’s most gay friendly organisations.

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Approximately 5% of the group’s 1580 carers are LGBT, a percentage that the fostering agency aims to increase partly through regular visibility at LGBT events across the country as well as hosting specific information and recruitment events to communicate that fostering is an incredibly rewarding life choice which is open to everyone.

Ben McQuillan, LGBT diversity champion at FCA, said:

“We have amazing foster carers, and from the outset FCA only recruit people from across the community who are open to diversity and inclusion. We’re committed to developing a cohort of supportive carers, both for each other and the children and young people they look after. “Our underlying message is that fostering is open to everyone, and it’s up to FCA to provide a safe and welcoming community to support and develop our carers.”

Foster carers with FCA receive frequent visits and contact from a dedicated and qualified social worker. Support is also provided through an education officer, support workers and therapist to help carers meet the needs of child or young person. Ongoing training, a financial allowance, access to carer support groups and organised family activities are all contributing factors as to why FCA placements are 22% more stable than the national average.

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For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA, or to find out about recruitment events in the region, call 0800 022 4330 or visit www.thefca.co.uk. For further information about LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week visit https://www.lgbtadoptfosterweek.org.uk/.