Urgent appeal for new foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight

The authority's fostering service is calling for people from all racial and religious groups to commit to raising some of the 300 children who are in its care.

Amanda and her husband Steve, who live in East Barnet, and do not wish to give their surnames, have fostered in Barnet for five years.

They said they found fostering a very rewarding experience, despite its challenges, and were keen to encourage more people to sign up.

Amanda said: “My husband Steve and I aren’t a conventional family in that we both have sons from previous relationships. As our boys grew older we realised we had more parenting to give and thought it would be great if we could help someone else’s child.

“The dynamics of our family help to normalise the situation for our foster children, for example our stepchildren call us by our first names and we all have different surnames.”

Amanda and Steve started out as short term foster carers caring for children aged five to 11. They are now fostering three siblings on a long-term basis. 

Amanda added: “We believe long term fostering offers our children stability, continuity and support. We work together with their birth families and local authority professionals to ensure the best outcomes for the children.”

Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from today until next Sunday, gives potential foster carers the chance to learn more about looking after someone else’s child.

Barnet Council has organsed information events on Monday May 20 and Friday May 24 at Barnet House in Whetstone so people who are interested in fostering can find out more.
For more information about fostering please call 020 8359 6274, email fostering@barnet.gov.uk or visit www.barnet.gov.uk/fostering