LGBTQ+ fostering

Diversity in foster care is celebrated with The CFT!

Successful foster parents need stickability, good health, patience and the ability to think on your feet. Gender and sexuality are not factored into any decision-making when it comes to being approved as a foster carer.

There are many preconceived barriers that people assume will hold them back throughout the application process. Having the courage to take those initial steps may be shrouded in uncertainty and “what if’s”.

Here are some early answers to alleviate any immeidate concerns –

 

  • You don’t need to be in a relationship
  • You don’t need to have experience working with children
  • You can continue to work and foster

Celebrating diversity in foster care

At The CFT we act on a level playing field and treat every application the same. We believe the criteria for being a foster parent should be based on your resilience in the face of adversity and capabilities to care for children – not your choice of partner or gender identity.
Growing numbers of children and young people in care are trying to understand their own identities and if you have lived experiences you may be best placed to help a young person navigate this time with empathy and understanding.
At The CFT we can allay any fears you may have around suitability for the role, and know at any time throughout the decision-making process, you can speak to our dedicated team who can talk you through the process and what to expect.
If you can provide stability, reliability and love to children and young people in need of support. Then we want to hear from you!

Stories from the LGBTQ+ fostering community

The Foster carer blog

The Foster carer blog

Sarah & Levi* reached a HUGE 10 years of fostering with The Children's Family Trust. In order to celebrate the milestone and their incredible longevity, we gave them the keys to the website and a...
A family is for life | Take action today

A family is for life | Take action today

There’s a 33% increase in care-leaver homelessness* Its time to improve policies to support care leavers. Become Charity, an outstanding organisation supporting children and young people in care a...
Can any of us really be foster carers?

Can any of us really be foster carers?

The notion that any of us with a spare room and a willingness to support young people is enough to become foster carers highlights the two very basic requirements to become carers. Are you 21 and...

Make an enquiry!

Become a foster carer

Fostering-Network
Your interview - What you need to know.
If you’ve been invited to an interview, it’s your chance to meet us, tell us about yourself, and take a step towards building your incredible career.
Your interview is your opportunity to learn more about us.
So come prepared with your questions. Plus its our opportunity to get to know you, understand your motivation to work in this sector and get a good understanding of your experience and background.
The first step.
Is either a face to face interview carried out in person or via TEAMS. If you’re successful, the next stage is a more formal interview with at least two members of our team. At least one of the interview panel will have been trained in the NSPCC safer recruitment standards.
You might be invited for a second interview.
Or we might ask you to prepare a presentation or other sample of work. Think about what the role requires and prepare to show you’re a great fit.
We’ll carry out a criminal record check.
Bring the necessary identity documents to your formal interview. The address on the documents should match the address on your application form. You’ll need proof of your right to work in the UK, you will be provided with a list of approved identification documents in line with The Disclosure and Barring Service and proof of your address.
Certificates!
Remember to bring any qualification certificates that are required for the role.
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Be a successful candidate!
Read through our hints and tips and give yourself the best chance at a career with The CFT.
Do your research!
Look at our website and check that you match our outlook and culture.
Apply via our application form.
We require a fully completed application form, we’ll ask for your full employment history from age 16, include all job titles, employment dates and your reason for leaving – and if there are any gaps, please tell us why.
We’ll need contact details of referees.
Referee's should be people you’ve worked with during the last three years. One should be your most recent employer. We’ll also need a reference from any employer where you’ve worked directly with children and young people and a personal referee.
We’ll carry out a criminal record check.
If you’ve lived abroad within the last ten years, you might also be asked to complete an overseas criminal record check.
If your application is successful.
There may be some more pre-employment checks specific to the role, but a member of our HR Team will be in touch to talk you through what’s needed.
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