Children's charity Bernado's calls for more people to consider fostering
Their plea comes as they have revealed a decrease in the number of people becoming foster parents across the South West
The children's charity, Bernado's is urging people across the South West to consider becoming a foster carer - as they've revealed many people believe they're too old to start.
A recent YouGov study conducted by the organisation revealed by 82% of the population think they're not young enough consider fostering, but they're trying to dispel that myth as many regions across the country see the numbers of kids in care rise.
The poll also revealed that only 4% of those who are not currently approved foster parents would consider fostering in the next five years.
Meanwhile, 15% say they couldn’t afford to foster or believe there is not sufficient financial support, not realising there are generous caring allowances available.
Charanjit Kang, Head of Business for Barnardo’s Fostering and Adoption, said: “The aging population of existing foster parents, coupled with fewer people choosing to become carers, is having a devastating impact.
“With record numbers of children going into care, we urge anyone who could offer a safe and stable home to a child to find out more about fostering.
“We know many people across the South West would love to foster - but they believe there are elements of their lifestyle preventing them from doing so, such as their age, financial situation, or because they have biological children. The reality is that many of these supposed barriers are myths that come from misconceptions of fostering.”
Retired nurse and grandmother Bridget Davies was in her 60s when she began fostering 15 years ago and has gone on to raise three boys.
She said: “I absolutely love it. The children I’ve had have been awesome and seeing the changes in them has been so rewarding.
“Time is what they respond to best. I have found that every child I’ve fostered has been amazing but may not have had chance to show it in their past, they may have hidden it. Over time you discover their sense of humour, and it certainly helps to have one of your own.”
Corey Evans, now 24 and with a home and partner of his own, was just nine when he moved in with his foster mum Bridget.
“Bridget gave me the best feeling in the world, she always made me feel part of the family and after a couple of weeks her house became home,” he said.
Chris Williams, 60, has two daughters of his own, but considers the six girls he has fostered over the years with wife Sarah, 46, to be just as special.
Soon after they were approved as foster parents the couple found themselves with three siblings to look after.
Chris explained, “It was hard work but good fun, we just got on with it. They integrated so well, and our wider families made them very welcome which has been so important. We didn’t see it as a job, they were our daughters straight away and we’ve enjoyed watching them grow into lovely human beings.
“We’ve never seen fostering as a job, they were our daughters straight away. They all call us Mum and Dad and give back so much love,” he said.
He and Sarah say they have had “tremendous support” from Barnardo’s, with extensive training and social workers at the end of the phone 24 hours a day if needed.
To anyone questioning whether fostering is for them, Sarah said: “We probably thought we couldn’t do it at the time. But we don’t think of it as fostering, they are part of our family, it’s just been about bringing up an extended family. Yes, it’s challenging but the rewards outweigh everything else.”
You can find out more on how to become a foster carer on the Bernado's website.