“Fostering has been great for our family,” says Karen from Frodsham

Karen and her family have been fostering for Cheshire West and Chester Council for five years. She started fostering when her daughter moved out and they had a spare room.

What impact has fostering had on your family?

“My children are very proud of what we do. They tell us that we did a good job with them so why wouldn’t we want to do the same for other children. My daughter is still young enough to remember her teenage years and she is my voice of reason with all the teenagers.

“Our dog has helped our children no end. They can take responsibility for looking after her, feeding, brushing, walking. It makes them feel as if they are caring for someone. She is also very intuitive and helps me understand how they are feeling.

“Our whole family is getting larger each year but none of us would change it. As a married couple it can be hard to have time out and to always be on the same hymn sheet so it is important to reflect and support each other’s opinions. My Mum is also important and at 88 years of age she is now “Grandma” to all the children, they won’t call her anything else and she loves to see them all.

What have been your best memories so far?

“Rehabilitating a 6 month old baby home to Mum who 5 years later is still doing well and a good friend.

“Seeing new parents adopt their forever family. We hardly keep in touch but today out of the blue I received an update and some photos.

“Taking our 13 year old on an aeroplane for the first time this year.

“Camp fires on the beach with every child we have looked after.”

How do you find the support we give you? Do you have close relationships with other foster carers?

“I have many fostering friends who I can call on when I need to. Social media is great for support groups these days. Face to face groups I find difficult to attend for travelling but I’m hoping to meet up for a coffee with some fostering friends soon.”

If you would like to become a foster carer, please request an information pack and make an enquiry today at www.foster4.co.uk/enquire

(Please note: actors photo used in this blog post)