Ricardo

Children in care come from many different backgrounds and experiences, including those who may be questioning their identity or who would simply benefit from seeing diversity reflected in the adults who support them. Having foster carers from a range of communities helps ensure that every child feels understood, valued and seen.

That’s why we spoke to Ricardo, who has been fostering for four years alongside his mum with one of our local councils. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a committed co‑carer, he brings warmth, openness and lived experience that helps young people feel safe to be themselves.

Here’s what he shared about his fostering journey:

“For me, fostering has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. I fell into it, really, as my mum always wanted to foster. Once she started, I naturally became a co‑carer. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do, but being this involved in the children’s lives has been incredible. We’ve had so many different children come through our home, and watching them grow, change, and become the best versions of themselves…it’s honestly amazing. Sometimes it’s just a small conversation or a moment of connection that completely changes their outlook.

 

“As a co‑carer you can be as involved as you want to be, and I’m very involved. I go to meetings with social workers, I help with day‑to‑day care, and I have a real say in how things are going at home. Every adult in a child’s life shapes them in some way, and it’s great to know I’m part of that.

 

“Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has never been a barrier to fostering. If anything, it’s helped. Some of the children we care for have never met a gay or trans person before, and being able to normalise those conversations, talking openly about my partner or my friends, helps them realise the world is full of different people and that’s a good thing. You can almost see the lightbulb go on when they realise, ‘Oh, this is just normal.’ The kids have always embraced it. Our home is just like any other loving home, and they feel that.

 

“Before I started, I had some misconceptions about fostering. I thought the children might be “difficult” or that there wouldn’t be much support. But the truth is, many children come into care for reasons completely outside their control. They’re not “bad”; they’re just kids who need stability, love, and someone to believe in them. And there is support, from the council, from partners, from other carers. We’re all working towards the same thing: helping these children have the futures they deserve.

 

“The checks you go through during the application process aren’t anything to worry about either. Yes, there’s a vetting process and a criminal record check, just like everyone else, but it’s not invasive or scary. They just want to know who you are. Every life experience you’ve had could be the thing that makes you the perfect match for a child. So don’t be afraid to be yourself, that’s exactly who they want to meet.

 

“What I love most is seeing the kids transform. One young person we’ve cared for came to us at 13 and is now 17, and she’s done a full 180. She calls me her brother, and we’re incredibly close. She’s going to college, thinking about university, achieving things she never thought she could. Knowing I’ve had even a small part in that brings me so much joy.

 

“Fostering is a 24‑hour job, but it’s a job filled with love. These children just want to be listened to and accepted. And for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community thinking about fostering: do it. We know what it’s like to fight to be accepted, and that understanding helps us connect with children who are fighting their own battles. There are so many young people out there who need us. You’d be amazed at the difference you can make, even when you don’t realise you’re making it.

 

“Jump in. Enjoy it. It’s a ride, but an amazing one.”