Posted on: Wednesday 4 March 2026
This LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week, a couple from Torfaen have shared their fostering story to encourage more LGBTQ+ people to consider opening their homes to a child in 2026.
It comes as new figures show a growing number of LGBTQ+ people are choosing to foster in Wales, with 56 LGBTQ+ foster households nationally - an increase of 30% compared with 2024.
Eleanor and Kay, from Cwmbran, say becoming foster carers has been “a journey of encouragement, acceptance and community”.
Having fostered nine children since 2024, they now want others in the LGBTQ+ community to know that fostering is open to them.
They said: “When we first considered fostering, we weren’t sure whether a same-sex couple like us would have the opportunity to step into this role. Yet from the very first phone call, through every stage of assessment, and throughout our fostering journey, we found a community that opened its arms to us.
“We faced no barriers, only encouragement, acceptance and a powerful reminder that every family with love to give has a place in fostering.
“If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and are considering fostering, we’d really encourage you to reach out and learn more. Speaking with the fostering team and other foster carers can be a great first step in discovering whether fostering is right for you.”
With 298 children in foster care in Torfaen, Foster Wales Torfaen hopes these new LGBTQ+ figures will inspire more from that community to enquire.
In Gwent alone, LGBTQ+ foster carers supported 15 children in 2025.
Couples or single people can foster, and many LGBTQ+ people bring unique life experiences that can help children and young people feel understood, supported and able to thrive.
Prospective foster carers have an opportunity to join the Foster Wales Torfaen team for a live Facebook Q&A event this Thursday, 4pm - 6pm.
Suzanne Griffiths, Director of the National Adoption Service for Wales and Foster Wales, said:
“Foster carers make an extraordinary difference to children and young people every day by offering stability, understanding and a safe place to thrive.
“For some children, foster carers can help them move on to adoption, which will provide the lifelong security they need when returning to their birth family is not possible.
“With so many children currently in need of loving homes, we would strongly encourage anyone considering fostering or adoption to come forward and start a conversation with their local team today.”
You can follow LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week online and through Twitter -@lgbtadoptfoster and Facebook - @newfamilysocial.
For more information on fostering visit: https://fosterwales.gov.wales . Find out more about adoption in Wales: adoptcymru.com