Emma-Jo and Steven have been fostering for seven years – they share the highs and lows of their journey.
“Giving time, love, care, support and guidance is something that came naturally to us having raised our daughters aged 20, 18, 16 and 14.
“Steven and I had already discussed fostering once our daughters were older, and when Steven heard a radio advert urgently requesting loving families to support little ones, we decided, as a family, to apply.
“In May 2014, we welcomed our first foster child into our loving home and our journey of love, hope and guidance continues.
“Fostering afforded me the opportunity to stay at home with my daughters whilst caring for others. To date we have had the pleasure of looking after 11 children, including nine babies.
“The training and development provided is extremely beneficial – both to us and the children we care for. And I have recently become a Foster Care Champion to share my knowledge and give advice and support to other carers.
“This year we moved two three-year olds who we’d cared for from birth and three weeks old. Both had learning difficulties, and for a foster parent to give love, support and care to a child with additional needs, having to be their voice and advocate when they are struggling, is immensely rewarding. We do this to make a difference, and I believe our care positively impacted on both, helping them to reach their potential.
“Seeing all the children flourish is very special to us. We have supported all our children through transitions to their forever families. This can be a difficult time for all involved, but there’s support and it’s so fulfilling to see how happy it makes the forever family. And it’s never goodbye as many of the families keep in touch.
...for a foster parent to give love, support and care to a child with additional needs, having to be their voice and advocate when they are struggling, is immensely rewarding.
“So if you love children and have the time to give, you can do it! We’ve made a difference to 11 lives in seven years – you can too!”
In Lincolnshire more foster carers are needed to look after some of the county's most vulnerable children and young people.
Each application to foster is considered on an individual basis and you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity or religion. However, you do need to have a spare bedroom for a young person to use.
In terms of practicalities, there is a fostering allowance, as well as good support and training for those who provide a home for a young person in need.
If you feel that you could offer a home to a child or young person, apply to foster today at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering or call our friendly team on 01522 554114.