Opening their hearts and homes, Julia and Ruth are dedicated LGBTQ+ foster carers who provide essential support to children and young people in need of a safe, nurturing environment. In this interview, they share their experiences, the joys and challenges of fostering, and the meaningful impact it has had on both their lives and the children they welcome. Their story highlights the power of love, inclusion, and the importance of diverse foster families in shaping brighter futures.
why did you want to become foster carers?
When asked why Julia and Ruth wanted to become foster carers, they said “we are very much involved in communities and paying something forward” and felt that as they had the space and time why not help out children who need support the most. They talked about how they had always wanted to foster and understanding that having a better upbringing could help a child flourish. Julia and Ruth have been foster carers for almost 1 year now and offer short breaks.
did you ever worry being from the LGBTQ+ community would stop you being able to become foster carers?
Ruth shared that she wasn’t worried about anything, however Julia said that she had some worries around caring for a child from a religious family and their views of them being from the LGBTQ+ community. However, they both felt that they have not come across any negativity throughout their journey and feel settled in the role of a foster carer.
why did you choose to foster with Foster Wales Cardiff?
When asked why they chose to foster with Cardiff Council, they talked about doing their research looking at agencies as well as fostering with their local authority. Julia and Ruth said that “if there are agencies involved, that means there are not enough foster carers within Cardiff Council” and felt it best to support their own local authority and start the process with them.
how did you find the assessment process?
Julia and Ruth both agreed that the assessment process was quite long, however, understood that the local authority needs a certain amount of information about their lives due to the fact we are caring for vulnerable children.
how did it feel to be approved as foster carers?
Julia and Ruth both said “amazing” and that is felt like such an achievement. They had talked about wanting to foster for a long time and this was their opportunity to finally give back to the community.
how did you prepare for children’s arrival?
Julia and Ruth felt excited and nervous at the same time and ended up changing all the bedrooms around when they probably didn’t need to. Julia said, “we wanted them to feel comfortable and safe and as if they were one of their own”. Ruth added that what they have noticed from the children they have cared for that they are “more intelligent and resilient that you actually give them credit for”.
what would be your advice to any LGBTQ+ person who might be considering foster care?
Julia and Ruth said, “If you have got that feeling that there is something out there you should be doing in order to give back, this is it”. Ruth and Julia talked about the respite care they offer and that “you can make such a difference to that child in a short period of time” and it has been really gratifying for them.
what has the support from Foster Wales Cardiff been like?
Ruth and Julia both expressed they have felt a sense of achievement fostering with their local authority, and that their Social Worker has been extremely supportive along their journey. Julia added that “there is always support at the end of the phone” and that their Supervising Social Worker is always advising and motivating. Ruth shared that the whole process has been nothing but positive and there is an amazing fostering support network with their local authority.
what have the highlights of your fostering journey so far?
Both Julia and Ruth simply said, “the main thing was seeing them grow and embracing a normal environment”. They talked about always taking the children on days out and that they recently had 4 children from the ages of 5 to 10 who are staying with them for the second time now. They went on to say how positive it has been seeing the progress they have made with regulating their emotions better and this is why they love being foster carers.
want to start your own fostering journey?
If reading Julia and Ruth’s story has inspired you to think about becoming a foster carer, then we’d love to hear from you.
Living in Cardiff, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
