Friday, March 28 2025
lgbtq+ FOSTERING
Wales

LGBTQ+ fostering households rise by over 37% in Wales

By March 4, 2025 Article

More LGBTQ+ families fostering in Wales

LGBTQ+ fostering households in Wales have grown by 37%, according to the latest data. This rise comes as calls increase for more LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to explore fostering or adoption.

One in six adoptions in Wales in 2024 involved same-sex couples. This demonstrates the growing role of LGBTQ+ people in providing loving and stable homes for children.

Support during LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week

LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week begins on 3 March. Foster Wales and the National Adoption Service for Wales urge LGBTQ+ individuals to enquire about fostering or adoption in 2025.

This awareness week aims to challenge misconceptions while encouraging open discussions about the realities of fostering and adoption.

Thousands of children need care

Wales currently has 7,208 looked-after children. Around 200 require adoption. Both couples and single people can foster or adopt, and LGBTQ+ individuals often bring unique strengths to child care.

Dan and Barry’s fostering journey

Dan and his partner Barry, from Denbighshire, began fostering nine years ago.

“We wanted to support many children,” Dan said. “But we ended up fostering one boy long-term after initially caring for him on weekends.”

“He’s been with us for eight years. He’s part of our family.”

Dan praised Foster Wales Denbighshire for their continuous support. He highlighted the importance of giving children the childhood they deserve.

“Children in care have been through a lot. We want them to be happy and experience a stable home life.”

Ongoing support for foster carers

Suzanne Griffiths, Director of the National Adoption Service for Wales and Foster Wales, stressed the exceptional support provided to foster carers and adopters.

“Local teams offer advice and assistance at every stage. Foster carers play a crucial role in children’s lives, offering a safe environment and using their skills to meet each child’s needs.”

“With so many children in need, we encourage anyone considering fostering or adoption to take the next step.”

Find out more

Follow LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week on Twitter (@lgbtadoptfoster) and Facebook (@newfamilysocial).

For fostering information, visit: Foster Wales For adoption details, visit: Adopt Cymru

You may also like

Snowdonia Space Centre

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

Want your kids to stand out at school?

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.
By

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.