Families with birth children living at home are being urged to not rule out joining Leicestershire County Council’s fostering team.
Mother-and-daughter duo ‘Amy’ and ‘Shannon’ (13) are sharing their experience to reassure other families that having birth children is not a barrier to fostering.
They’re speaking out during Children of Foster Carers Week (13 – 19 October), which aims to recognise the part birth children can play in the fostering process.
Amy, who lives in north Leicestershire and has fostered 24 children over the years, said: “I would say that Shannon is the most important part in welcoming a child to our home. Being younger, she is less ‘intimidating’ than new adults in children’s lives.
“Fostering has given Shannon a different view on the world that I don’t think she would have had if she had remained an only child. It’s encouraged her to be more tolerant, to share, and to absolutely never judge a book by its cover.”
Speaking about the support that the county council offers to its foster carers, Amy added: “We both have constant support from our supervising social worker and can connect with other staff at ‘Children who Foster’ events too.
“There is a phenomenal amount of accessible training throughout the year, as well as constant support from the National Association of Therapeutic Parenting.”
Since Amy was approved in 2017, Shannon has helped her mum welcome 24 children aged between two days and 17 years old into their home.
Sharing her thoughts, Shannon said: “I think it’s important to build a good relationship with the young people that live with us, and I try to do this normally by spending time talking to them and playing with them.
I usually get to show them to their bedrooms when they first arrive and point out where the important things are – the bathroom, fridge and biscuits!”
Shannon admits that it’s not always easy, but enjoys taking the time to help: “I like to try and help but know that I can always go into my own bedroom and get on with my homework if it gets too much.”
Councillor Charles Pugsley, lead member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “This story is a shining example of how important birth children of foster carers can be in giving a sense of stability at a complex time. I thank all of our foster carers for the indescribable difference they make in our children’s lives.
“We’re always open to hear from applicants with all types of family make-ups, and I would encourage any interested individuals or families to get in touch with our team to see how fostering can fit into their life.”
Families wanting to find out more about fostering can visit our website and email fostering@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 0505.
Note: Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the foster family.
Children of Foster Carers Week is a national campaign led by The Fostering Network.