Northumberland County Council - Could you be a male foster carer?

Could you be a male foster carer?

15 Dec 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Northumberland is calling for more men to come forward to be foster carers.

Male foster carers provide an often missing yet vital positive role model for both boys and girls and can also have a restorative effect on many fostered children and young people.

Alan who has fostered since 2015 told us: “I took the opportunity to get into fostering when offered voluntary redundancy. I love being a parent, so this was a perfect job role.

“The inspiration from the children and the satisfaction of knowing that you truly are making a difference to a young person's life keeps you doing this job day after day and year after year."

Ebony who lives with Alan and his family, said: “Alan has helped me feel part of the family, by giving me space and trust to make my own choices. He gives me boundaries, and I just feel really settled and safe here so I can get on with my life and school."

Foster care is crucial for the health and wellbeing of children who need to be cared for by someone else if it’s not possible for them to live within their own family.

Foster carers play a vital role in the lives of local children and young people. No two are the same, offering different life experiences to those in need of support and care. So, please don’t think that you couldn’t make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a foster carer.

Jonathan and Dean have fostered since January: “With long-term fostering, you view life differently, being exposed to new and challenging situations. You learn the skills you need and use them to teach and help a child – but then they teach you too! We are not our fostered child’s parents; we help them stay in touch with their mum and are part of the family around them. Fostering is the best thing you could ever do.”

Many people already have the skills and life experience to help children in your community in different fostering roles. Don’t rule yourself out without finding out more about how you could take on this vital role.

James says, “Men often don’t come forward for fostering as caring is often considered more of a woman’s role. My wife and daughter both encouraged me to take the first step.

“We have two young lads who have lived with us for four years. They are like ‘chalk and cheese’, so we learned to care for them in different ways. It’s been great to encourage them with the team sports they never had the motivation to get involved with before. They are a big part of our family. With fostering, like any family, we have our ups and downs but it’s so rewarding, and we feel like we’re an active part of our community.”

If you would like to know more get in touch for an informal chat.

- Call: 01670 62 62 62
- Text: 07779 983 165
- Email: foster@northumberland.gov.uk