He recognises people may have some anxieties about putting themselves forward as foster carers, especially relating to their sexuality.
Meet the gay single dad who says more people like him should consider fostering - Somerset Live
But he says he has never been discriminated against. There is currently a record 78, children in the care system across England and more foster carers are needed across the South West. Mark, who has lived in and around Bath for 15 years, has fostered around nine boys, most of them long-term.
Mark always knew he wanted to be a father, regardless of his other circumstances, and he has been going it alone since the beginning. Jamie Sawyer first came to Mark when he was 15 years old. Jamie is not the only previous foster child who Mark stays in touch with.
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He says he always keeps in touch after the boys officially leave him at 19 or While Mark has always worked with children with difficult backgrounds, he says he became a foster carer to have a higher impact. That would make me nervous. It's more important than ever to stay in touch with what's happening around you on a daily basis. Here are some options:. For more information on Five Rivers Child Care, visit its website , call the enquiries team on or email carer. Suspend Last Updated:. Reply Quote. Edit Delete Report. Report This Comment. Get involved with the news in your community.
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'It's enriched our lives' say gay Somerset couple fostering teenage boys
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience — the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. A SAME sex couple's dream they thought would never come true has become reality after they fostered two teenage brothers.
Tristan and Luke, both in their 30s and from Somerset, admit they've needed plenty of patience, energy and resilience - but they wouldn't change a thing. Somerset County Council approved Tristan and Luke as foster carers two years ago after the couple decided they wanted to provide a secure, stable and loving home for children in need of support.
The boys have settled in well and, despite the challenges of the lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, the four have created a tight family unit.
Meet the gay single dad who says more people like him should consider fostering
The two boys are still in touch with their mother and siblings, along with other members of their birth family, which is an important part of the fostering role. Tristan and Luke admit there are minor frustrations, but they say the boys have adapted well to home schooling and the lack of everyday contact with friends. And in turn, Tristan and Luke have discovered the thrills and spills of water parks, comic book conventions and rap music. Luke said: "I think like so many parents we will be really sad to see the boys fly the nest when they are older, but they know they can always count on us for support.
They know we will be there for them.
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The couple looked into fostering after deciding they wanted to care for children and underwent the necessary training and skills courses. Their first short-term emergency placements were challenging, but, undaunted, they offered the boys a home and have developed a strong and trusting relationship with them, offering the advice and guidance they need. They also believe that their age — young for foster carers — and lack of previous parenting experience have worked in their favour.
When you start out on the fostering route, there are questions that may seem quite personal, but you can understand why they need to be asked. They are part of our lives now.