“When we were thinking about fostering, we were initially worried, thinking are we going to be eligible? Should we even apply?” – foster carers Jack and Andy.
Many people think they cannot be a carer because they are too old, single, have a disability, or are from a minority community. In reality, foster carers come from lots of different backgrounds and age groups.
Jack and Andy have been foster carers with Hertfordshire County Council for three years and are now supporting seven other foster families and 18 foster children.
The couple from Hitchin say they have not found any barriers to fostering as a gay couple.
“We were really worried about misconceptions being a same sex couple but from our application to approval, we had nothing but support, guidance and love from the team at the council,” said Jack.
“What really impressed us during the application process was when we were buddied up with an experienced foster carer who showed us the ropes, and then also teamed up with a same sex foster couple so we could share experiences.”
Without foster carers, many children and young people, through no fault of their own, could end up without the stability and nurturing security of a home environment. It’s not just about being safe, it’s about supporting children and young people to thrive, and living as part of family life can often make a huge difference in achieving a great outcome for a child in need.
Jack said: “Fostering has completely changed our lives. Fostering is just amazing. You wake up morning, and you have children there smiling at you, needing your love and care, so for us it’s been the best thing we’ve ever done.”
His partner Andy added: “The good thing about fostering for a same sex couple is that natural progression from a relationship where you want to have a family. It’s made us stronger as a couple because you have to deal with so many things. Fostering has been so many different things; every day is completely different; every child is completely different. It has completely changed our lives.”
Fostering offers the flexibility of working from home, perhaps while caring for your own children, or to combine fostering and other work, depending on the age and needs of the children in your care. There are many different types of fostering and foster carers can choose what is right for them.
We are aware that fears about finance and affordability may prevent people coming forward for fostering. Many people do not realise that foster carers receive a weekly payment for their skills plus a weekly allowance for each child they look after. New and experienced foster carers can receive between £315 and £468 per week for each child they care for.
Fostering can be personally rewarding, they make a real difference to children’s lives and our foster carers tell us it is the most rewarding thing they have ever done.
You must be aged over 21 and have a spare bedroom. For more information visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fosternow or call our team on 0800 917 0925 for an informal chat.
