At Banya, we believe that love, stability, and compassion — not gender identity or sexual orientation — are what truly make a family. That’s why we’re proud to support LGBTQ+ foster carers and are committed to making fostering as inclusive and welcoming as possible.
As part of this commitment, Banya is a proud member of New Family Social, a UK charity led by LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers. New Family Social works to support people from the LGBTQ+ community to help you decide if adoption or fostering is right for you and then guide you through every stage of your fostering and adoption journey, from exploring options to becoming confident, skilled carers — and everything in between.
Why This Matters
There are thousands of children across the UK who need safe, loving homes — and the pool of potential carers must be as wide and diverse as the children themselves. We know that LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have the compassion, resilience, and warmth to give children the care and stability they deserve. The love and understanding you offer can change a child’s life — helping them feel safe, valued, and truly at home. And yet, many people in the LGBTQ+ community still wonder:
- Will I be welcomed by a fostering agency?
- Can I foster if I’m single?
- What kind of children can I care for?
- Will I be treated fairly and supported properly?
At Banya, the answer is simple: yes. You’ll be supported, valued, and respected — not in spite of who you are, but because of it.
The Urgent Need for LGBTQ+ Carers
The need for inclusive fostering has never been more pressing — especially for LGBTQ+ young people.
LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented among homeless populations, with research from AKT showing that 24% of homeless youth in the UK identify as LGBTQ+. A major factor? Family rejection after coming out. Many of these young people face trauma, instability, and a lack of safe spaces — which is why so many end up in care.
At Banya, we believe LGBTQ+ foster carers are uniquely equipped to provide the supporting homes these young people need. With your empathy and lived experience, you can offer the kind of understanding and stability that many LGBTQ+ young people urgently need.
Support Every Step of the Way
Through our partnership with New Family Social, prospective LGBTQ+ foster carers can access tailored guidance, connect with others in the community, and gain confidence in their fostering journey. Whether you’re just starting to think about fostering or ready to take the next step, we’re here to support you with honest advice, practical guidance, and encouragement at every stage of the fostering process.
A Place to Belong
Fostering is about creating a sense of belonging — for the child and the carer. That principle is at the heart of what we do. From your first enquiry to your first placement and beyond, you’ll be part of a community that recognises the value you bring and the lives you’ll change.
So, if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and thinking about fostering, we want you to know: you’re welcome here.
To learn more, get in touch with our team — or visit New Family Social for further information, resources, and support.
