Meet the foster carers

Meet the foster carers

Jane

Jane and her husband Andrew have fostered in the north west of England for the past 16 years. They have cared for over 130 children including young teenager mothers and their babies:

"With fostering you’re providing a child, or a mother with her child sometimes, with security they may not have had, and it can make a big difference. Every placement that comes to us is different and it can be a challenge, but it’s always so satisfying to see how they’ve developed and the change in them when they move on.

"To have the involvement and support of my own children is what has really made our fostering placements be a success. Fostering involves the whole family and we pull together as a team. Being a foster carer gives you the best feeling in the world - I hope to be fostering for many more years to come."

Stewart

Stewart has fostered with his wife Sharon in Edinburgh for the past 15 years. They are experienced in a range of different forms of care, including short break, long term and specialist:

"It’s really rewarding when you see a day-by-day improvement in a child. You see them build up self-esteem and come out of their shell. Then you know you are really making a difference, you see their confidence grow and they start to make friends.

"To have our son Nathan’s support and involvement has been integral to our fostering placements being a success. He helps the young people who come to stay with us to settle in and make them feel at home. Fostering is one of the most important things we have done as a family."

Marion

Marion and her husband Hugh have been fostering for almost 20 years, and have looked after 17 children. They are the current Foster Carers of the Year in Northern Ireland:

"We feel so proud of what we’ve achieved. When children first come to stay with us they are often fearful and uncertain. By listening, loving and putting our faith in them over time we see their confidence grow, they begin to trust us and they find their voice. That’s the real reward for us."

Alan

Alan has been fostering with his partner Norma in Camarthenshire for 20 years. They have cared for over 70 children, from the age of four upwards, on long term, short break, and respite placements:

"Becoming a foster carer is the best thing I’ve ever done. Every day I’m helping young people to turn their lives around. As well as providing a caring, nurturing home and supportive family life to these children, I consider myself a professional child care expert and a crucial part of the team that works with children in care.

"Being a foster carer is one of the most challenging roles of my career, but by far the most rewarding. It's a true vocation and I wouldn’t change it for the world."