One of the world’s renowned photographers, who has photographed Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and the Queen, has turned his attention to capturing fosterers, including those from LGBTQ+ communities.
The latest set of portraits by British photographer Rankin are of 17 foster parents that represent the ‘Faces of Fostering’ from National Fostering Group and the 55,0001 current foster carers in the UK who are offering stable, loving homes to children in need.
Children and young people in the foster care system often come from all races, religions, and ethnicities – a real diverse group of young people coming from all different walks of life. Foster carers are just as diverse, and in some instances, it can be more beneficial for the child in care to be placed with foster carers of their own religion or culture.
‘Faces of Fostering’ aims to reveal the true diversity that exists in fostering today and call on more people – from all walks of life – to step forward. Currently 230 children come into the care system each day and National Fostering Group needs more people to become foster parents.
The images counteract commonly held misconceptions and outdated stereotypes, with National Fostering Group warning that the ‘Tracy Beaker effect’ has given people the wrong impression of what fostering looks like or entails. In fact, new research shows that nearly three quarters (73%) of the UK population have said that TV programmes have shaped their understanding of fostering.
As a result, 44% of the general population believe they wouldn’t be eligible to foster, rising to 49% among those who identify as being LGBTQ+, disabled, single, semi-skilled and unskilled and 55+ – preventing many who would be able offer a child a safe home from stepping forward.
Commenting on the campaign, Steve Christie, CEO of National Fostering Group, says: “What these striking images show is that there’s no such thing as a typical foster carer. Fostering really is for everyone, regardless of background, relationship status or circumstance. At a time when nearly 11,000 foster carers are urgently needed it’s more important than ever that anyone and everyone who thinks they might like to foster comes forward.”
Darren and James, both 40, have fostered together for the last 12 years and in that time have looked after over 20 children. Darren says: “Fostering has been a life changing experience for both of us. It has provided us with untold joy and happiness. There have been challenges along the way, especially being a man living with multiple sclerosis, but the benefits have made the whole experience worth it.”
National Fostering Group research has shown that 19% of LGBTQ+ people and 35% of people living with a disability have assumed that they’d be unable to foster.
Commenting on the campaign, Rankin says: “This photo shoot was a celebration of diversity, compassion, and the extraordinary individuals who open their hearts to foster care. It was a joy to capture the essence of people from all walks of life, each sharing a common desire to make a difference in a child’s life. If you’re considering fostering, reach out to National Fostering Group – they will guide you through the process.”