Widening Inclusion for Gay Women Foster Carers — A Literature Review of the Sociological, Psychological and Economic Implications

Abstract

This literature review explores the psychological, political and societal influences and barriers facing gay women applying to become foster carers. In this review I have focused on three areas which have emerged as separate but intertwined themes, which can result in intersectionality excluding lesbians and bisexual women from applying and becoming foster carers. Firstly, I discuss the emergence of Independent Foster Agencies in order to introduce an element of social policy to the review. This examines the economic, market-driven aspect of fostering provision and, in the drive to place children at the lowest price, can result in less diversity of carers. Secondly, I explore the question: do perceptions of a higher incidence of mental illness in gay and bisexual women contribute to their difficulties in being accepted as a foster carer? This aspect, it can be argued, is a legacy from the 1960s and 70s, when homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder. This view potentially raises negative stereotypes amongst policy-makers and social workers alike, seriously affecting the chances of successful application to fostering agencies. Nevertheless, Minority Stress Theory suggests that in some Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (LGB) sufferers of Minority Stress, this could impact negatively on their ability to care for children who are struggling with their identity, or who have experienced sexual abuse. This theory, it can be argued, makes the assessment of gay foster carers yet more complex and challenging for the assessing social worker. Thirdly, I examine evidence relating to child development in lesbian and gay families; whether perceptions of gender identity development could affect perceptions of social workers and managers during the assessment. Finally, I discuss foster carer assessment, historical perceptions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) parents and how this potentially exacerbates the shortage of quality foster care placements for children and young people.