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Foster Care Fortnight is now on and we’re highlighting our urgent need for carers locally.
We need nurturing and empathetic people who can provide help and support in a loving home.
Becoming a foster carer could be one of the most rewarding things you do – just ask someone already in the role.
Jo White and her husband Martin have been foster carers in North Somerset for 13 years.
Jo previously worked for the Landmark Trust and part-time within the care industry.
She said: “We considered fostering after seeing an advert in a local paper. We went along to the open evening, heard all the inspirational stories and that was it – we expressed interest there and then and have never looked back.”
Since then, the pair have fostered within a wide range of situations, from short-term to long-term, short breaks, emergency cover, and through adoptions and reunifications.
Jo said: “Our first young person came into our lives at the age of nine. He struggled, was a quiet little boy, and lacked confidence.
“Now he’s 23, confident, and has achieved so much.”
Currently, the couple foster two young people on a long-term basis and are also hub carers within our Mockingbird network – the support system for our local foster care families.
Jo said: “To be a tiny part of a young person’s journey is an absolute privilege and honour. To be able to give a therapeutic, loving environment and to celebrate the milestones and achievements, no matter how small, is amazing.
“Being a foster carer means having a positive impact on a young person’s life, when for them it is the hardest time of their life.
"Every day brings a magical moment and something new and inspirational.”
Jo acknowledges there can be times of struggle, though.
She said: “It can sometimes be challenging and it’s not always easy. However, we have an amazing support group around us.
“Our supervising social worker can always give advice and helpful strategies, and as a family we make sure we always talk about how we’re feeling and support each other.”
Training is varied and can be tailored to each young person you care for.
Foster families are also connected through the Mockingbird model, a collaborative approach which offers more support for carers and stability for the young people.
Jo and Martin are the ‘home hub’ carers in their network, offering support and guidance to everyone.
Jo added: “Someone once asked us if you could change anything about our fostering journey, what would it be. Our answer is simply a bigger house to fill with more children.
“Fostering is the hardest but most rewarding role I have ever done.
“I’d definitely recommend it. Just imagine how your love and nurturing can impact on a young person’s life, and how your guidance will follow them through for the rest of their life.”
Events are taking place during Foster Care Fortnight to showcase the opportunities available and meet the team.
An organised walk with our foster families takes place at 10am at Salthouse Fields in Clevedon on Sunday (18 May); and the team will have a stall at eat:Portishead on Sunday 25 May.
Carers of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and relationship statuses are welcomed.
All we ask is that you’re over 21, have a spare room (unless you’re fostering a baby under two years old), and have time in your day to dedicate to looking after a child.
You can have a full-time job, live in rented accommodation, be a single-person household, or still have your own children living at home.
Find out more on our website or follow the team on Facebook.