At Life Without Barriers, our LGBTQIA+ inclusion journey came from humble beginnings as one of the first organisations to offer people in the LGBTQIA+ opportunity to become foster carers. We recognise and respect all the ways relationships and families are found and formed and continue to actively seek people to join our growing network of LGBTQIA+ carers.
Meet our LGBTQIA+ foster carers
Image: Same-sex female foster carer couple in their forties in the dining room smiling.
“We came across Life Without Barriers at Mardi Gras Fair Day and straight away felt a connection to the agency."
--Kaz and Jo, Life Without Barriers' foster carers.
Real Stories
John and Brodie reached a point in their lives where they knew they wanted to be parents. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, having biological children was not an immediate option. They were aware of the number of children that needed a home – so they turned to foster care.
Your questions, answered.
Is my sexuality a factor in becoming a carer?
Life Without Barriers values a diverse community of foster carers and kinship carers. We are champions for equality and believe our caring community should represent those of the children needing care and society at large.
We value carers of any sexuality, gender, or identity and have a strong commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. What is important to us is that you can provide a stable, loving home to children and young people.
Is the process of becoming carers different as an LGBTQIA+ couple?
Becoming a foster carer or kinship carer is the same for LGBTQIA+ couples and singles as it is for other people going through the process.
Applications to become a foster carer generally take 4-8 months. As well as ensuring our foster carers have the proper training and support, Life Without Barriers will also spend time matching the right carer to the right child or children.
You can start the process by enquiring today. Speak to one of our specialist team by contacting us at 1300 592 227 or carers@lwb.org.au. Alternatively, you can submit the online form below, and one of our team will be in touch.
Do I need to be in a couple to be a carer?
No, we have many great foster and kinship carers who are single! If you get into a relationship further down the track, your new partner will also undergo a probity check.
How do we support our foster carers?
Our carers are never alone in their caring journey. They are supported by a dedicated support team and have access to therapeutic and educational support, peer support and networking, and ongoing training. With all carers, we have someone available 24/7 through our dedicated on-call service to assist when an incident or emergency arises.
How do I know my journey as a carer will be a safe and inclusive one?
In February 2021, we launched our employee network Pride Without Barriers. Pride Without Barriers serves as a network and resource for LGBTQIA+ employees and their allies. You can read more about our LGBTQIA+ inclusion journey here.
At Life Without Barriers, we love participating in LGBTQIA+ events and showing our support. You may have seen us marching in Mardi Gras, at Midsumma festival, or a range of Pride events around the country. Have a look at our Pride Without Barriers playlist on YouTube.
Why do you ask about a carer’s sexuality anyway?
Matching carers and children is integral to creating a safe and positive care environment for all children. We understand that the journey of identity discovery for LGBTQIA+ people is a unique and sometimes rocky one, which can be a strength in helping children and young people navigate their own personal identity formation.
What support do carers receive?
Our foster carers are never alone in their caring journey. It can be difficult to comprehend the experiences children bring with them, so it is important that carers feel supported and confident in their role.
Training
We provide carers with a range of learning and development opportunities suited to their level of experience and the needs of the children in their care.
24/7 on-call support
Our foster carers can access on-call support any time of the day or night for advice, support, and direction.
Financial support
Foster and kinship carers receive a tax-free allowance to support the needs of children placed in their care.
Specialist support
Our specialist therapeutic and educational staff work with children and alongside carers where additional support is needed.
Respite
For a night or a weekend, children in care may spend time with a respite carer, an opportunity to strengthen social and family networks while their carer takes a short break. This type of care is only offered when it is in children’s best interests.
Carer networking
Talking to other carers is sometimes the best form of support. Through regular carer events, we create opportunities for carers to share their experiences, celebrate successes and provide feedback to the Life Without Barriers team.
Mental Health and Wellbeing support
Mental health and wellbeing support is available to carers and their families through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Converge is an independent and professional counselling service that helps carers, employees and their families, including specialist support services for LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They provide 24/7 confidential counselling throughout Australia. The program provides up to four (4) confidential professional counselling sessions per issue per year.
Are you ready to become a foster carer?
Speak to one of our dedicated team about starting your journey to becoming a foster carer today