Urgent appeal for more foster carers in the Midlands: what we are looking for, what you need and how to make that first step
Foster carers make a real difference and can transform the lives of children and young people.
Joanne, who is now a registered manager working in fostering, has praised the work of foster carers as part of Fostering Fortnight – but also hopes to highlight the need for 9,000 more carers.
She said: “As a social worker who has worked alongside foster carers for nearly 20 years, I have nothing but praise for a community who go about their daily routines quietly, or not so quietly as the case may be, when advocating on behalf of children and young people!
“The dedication, commitment and resilience shown by foster carers is inspirational. The changes they bring about in children’s lives is immense and life-changing, although carers will tell you that progress is slow and steady and takes time. Time to build a trusting relationship and rapport with a child is one of the most important factors in fostering.”
Joanne currently works for New Routes Fostering Service: Father Hudson’s which recruits foster carers in the Midlands, with remarkable success stories.
Part of the family
She added: “Our very own foster carers, Mary & Tim and Ian & Deana, recently celebrated 25 years of fostering! Between the two households, they have cared for over 50 children which is commendable. They all move on and move out eventually as they enter their adult life, however some remain a significant part of a foster carer’s family forever.”
Fostering not only changes lives in the moment, but the long-term prospects for young people. Joanne spoke about a notable success story: “There are many success stories I have seen and heard over the years; A young person who was presented with a moral dilemma, a positive one; having to choose between the prestigious Cambridge University or Browns University in the USA. The young person opted for the American student life!
“This is testimony to the impact fostering can have with the combined efforts of working as a part of a team, alongside other professionals and family.”
There are other rewards; seeing children participate, engage and thrive in a range of activities and overcome their fears, increased school attendance or the young person who studied social work and used her care experience to help and support other children and young people. There are others with aspirations of working and living abroad, having families of their own and completing apprenticeships and going on to work in their chosen career paths.
The rewards of fostering are seeing a child grow, thrive and excel in all aspects of development, moving from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I can do this.’
Why foster carers are needed
There are 70,000 children in the UK living in foster families; a lot of children in need of care, love, nurturing, stability, consistency and routines. 9,000 more foster carers are needed to care for these children.
Could you be the answer?
Are you looking for a change of career?
Do you have a spare bedroom?
Are you energetic?
Can you make a difference to a child’s life?
Do you want to make a difference to a child’s life?
If you have answered yes to all of these questions, start your journey with New Routes Fostering. Find out more at newroutesfostering.org or request an informal chat to find out more.