Call to tackle chronic foster carer shortage in Cumbria

Community Foster Care says the number of foster carers in the county is not keeping pace with the rising number of young people needing a new, safe home.

The agency is backing an awareness campaign called 'Time to Foster... Time to Care' to dispel myths around becoming a foster carer and encourage more adults to sign up and change lives.

Foster carers from Barrow and Dalton have spoken of how the role has changed their lives as well as those of the children they look after for.

Case study one - Susan McAlinden

Grandmother Susan McAlinden had often considered becoming a foster carer.

With four children of her own and six grandchildren, the 62-year-old, of Romney Road, Barrow, had a hunch it would suit her down to the ground.

She said: "It's definitely the best job I’ve ever done.

"When I looked back on all the jobs I’d done, looking after children and being a mum was the role I loved the most.

"I took the CFC leaflets home and thought 'yes, it’s what I want to do'."

Mrs McAlinden's first cared-for child arrived in January 2016, following six months of training.

She said: "I got a call in the afternoon and she was on the doorstep that evening with just a few bags and very upset.

"I hope it’s a win-win situation for both me and the children – that’s the goal.

"All they want is to be in a place where they feel safe, and when you see positive changes in them, you know you’re probably doing something right."

Case study two - The Sandersons

Joanne Sanderson and her husband Jonathan, from Dalton, who have two children of their own, signed up to become carers with Community Foster Care in 2014.

Mrs Sanderson said: "We're a very happy family, we had room in our house, and wanted to help children who aren’t so lucky.

"We waited until it was the right time for our family. We wanted our youngest to be old enough to understand what fostering means.

"As it turned out, the first child who came was a perfect fit – like a built-in friend. He had the same interests as our son and they got on brilliantly."

Her advice to others who might be considering fostering is to pick up the phone and find out more.

Support to start

CFC chief executive Hugh Pelham said: "Most people think they can't foster, but usually the opposite is true.

"So long as you're over 25 and in generally good health, you too can foster.

"The fact is that there’s lots of help to get you started, plenty of support and excellent training."

Who can foster?

With Community Foster Care, you need to be over 25 and in good health. 

You may be:

- Single, married or divorced

- A parent with young or grown-up children or someone who’s never had children

- In a same-sex relationship

- Employed or unemployed (employed people who need to work full-time will be considered for respite foster care)

- You may have a criminal record for non-violent offences or cautions in the past.

What do I need?

With Community Foster Care, you will need the following:

- A good-sized spare room for each child

- Evidence of parenting skills

- One person based at home if you want to foster full-time

- A commitment to ongoing training

- A real interest in helping young people with difficulties understand that they do have a future

- A commitment to working in partnership with the child's birth family and professionals

Anyone who wants to know more can call 0800 0124 278 or click here .

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