Wiltshire Celebrates LGBT+ Fostering and Adoption Week
Wiltshire Council is holding information sessions to mark LGBT+ Fostering and Adoption Week.
Julie and Clare have been welcoming children and young people into their home for a number of years. “Rewarding,” “providing a warm friendly home” and “making a difference” are just some of the ways Julie and Clare describe their role as foster carers.
From small victories of being able to tie shoelaces to big events such as helping young people become more physically active and riding a bike, they have spoken about their own experiences as Wiltshire Council foster carers to encourage more people to come forward and provide a welcoming home for children.
The council will be holding two drop in information sessions on fostering for LGBT+ Fostering and Adoption Week which runs from 2nd – 8th March
The first will be on Thursday 5 March in Chippenham Library from 9am-7pm.
The second will be on Friday 6 March in Salisbury Library from 9am – 7pm. People can drop in to both sessions at any time.
There will also be an information stand at County Hall in Trowbridge throughout the week.
Cllr Pauline Church, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: “Julie and Clare are doing an amazing job, making a positive difference in these young people’s lives
“We know there are more couples out there who may be considering fostering or adopting and I would encourage them to get in touch with us. We will support them every step of the way.”
Throughout the UK the number of same sex couple foster carers and adopters is rising and LGBT+ people are being encouraged to consider providing a home.
Julie said: “We applied online. We didn’t know if we were able to foster as we are a same sex couple but they were very welcoming and within four months we had our first placement.
Clare added: “There is a lot of support for you from Wiltshire Council so if you have a wobble there’s someone there you can talk to. There is a good network around.”
If you would like to find out more information about fostering please contact 0800 169 6321 or email fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk.
