Encouraging Younger Families to Foster
A couple in their 30s from County Durham are urging younger people to consider fostering, describing it as "honestly been one of the best decisions we've made" for their entire family.
Kylie and Lee aim to challenge common stereotypes by sharing their fostering journey while raising their own children.
Fostering in the North East
According to Foster with North East (FWNE), around 6,000 children are currently living in care across the region.
Their Fostering Journey
Kylie, 37, expressed a desire for other younger families to "realise fostering could be an option for them." After completing a comprehensive assessment process, the couple began fostering in February 2025. They currently care for two young children alongside their daughter, Casey, aged 13, and son, James, aged 9.
Kylie's Motivation
Kylie, who formerly worked as a senior carer in a care home, began considering fostering following major spinal surgery, which led her to reassess her career path.
"I still wanted to help people," she said. "We'd seen advertisements for fostering and thought this was a way to keep doing what I wanted to do, just helping a younger generation."
Family Involvement and Approval Process
The couple involved their own children throughout the process to ensure fostering was the right choice for their family.
They acknowledged that the approval process could feel "daunting" and "intrusive" but recognized the necessity of thorough checks because "foster carers look after vulnerable children."
Lee's Perspective
Lee, 38, who also works part-time in a warehouse, highlighted the most rewarding aspect of fostering as providing children with "a stable, safe, loving environment."
"They're part of the family," he said. "I can't imagine not having them here."
Impact on Their Children
The couple noted that fostering has increased the confidence of their own children, and they feel "really proud of what we do."
Casey shared her experience, saying that having foster children in the home quickly became "part of normal family life" and has inspired her to pursue fostering or social work in the future.
"I love having children come here because it gives them someone to play with and experience having a loving home," she said.
Foster Care Fortnight and Regional Support
FWNE, a partnership of local authorities collaborating to raise fostering awareness, is participating in Foster Care Fortnight, a two-week campaign recognizing the dedication of foster carers.
Landmarks throughout the North East, including the clock tower in Darlington, are being illuminated in pink to show support for the campaign. Fostering teams, carers, and families are also engaging in walks and community events.
FWNE's Message to Prospective Carers
FWNE team manager Chris James addressed common misconceptions about fostering.
"There is a misconception that you need to fit a particular mould to foster, but that's not the case."
"What matters most is having the commitment to provide a safe and supportive home whether that's for a short break, weeks at a time or longer term."
He added that the charity is available to assist with any questions prospective foster carers may have.
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