“We’re gay. There’s no way we can be foster parents.” That was the first thought of Brittany and Chelcey Altman, a young married couple living in Mustang, as they began their journey to fostering children.
Their journey wasn’t without it’s bumps. After multiple attempts at adoption, they had a biological son, Bryson, six years ago. Though he was the light of their life, they still felt something was missing. It wasn’t until a co-worker told them that fostering was possible for gay singles and couples, that they contacted Homebased Services & Resources.
“I was surprised when the owner of Homebased, Diana Shores, returned our call personally,” said Chelcey. “She said we sounded like we were a great couple and could help us foster. She was just amazing.”
After their initial training and intake, the couple shortly had their first foster children; a sibling group consisting of a six-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl. Today, they have a combine brood of five under the age of 11; an older girl, a 7-month-old baby girl, their own bio child, and the sibling group.
The sibling group is foremost on their minds today, as they’ve received notification that reunification with the bio mother is in the works and will happen within the next two weeks. “Their mom has worked her fanny off to get her babies back. We talk to her almost daily, and we’ve agreed that staying in touch after they go home is best for the kids,” said Chelcey.
Gripping each other’s hands and teary-eyed, the couple freely admits, “Yes, we’re sad, but it’s a good sad. As foster parents, we’re excited for them. We know they will be taken care of when they go home.”
When asked about giving this interview, both Brittany and Chelcey admitted they were nervous to speak about being gay and fostering, they knew it was important to time to end the stigma. “In the end, we’ve made a difference in the lives of the 7 children we’ve fostered. That’s what’s important.”
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference in a child’s life, please contact Homebased Services & Resources at (918) 310-0115 to inquire about becoming a foster parent.
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