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65-year-old Norma from Runcorn has been fostering for Halton Borough Council for nineteen years. She used to be a volunteer driver for social services and took children to contact before deciding to foster herself.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?
“I’ve been married for 46 years and we have four birth children, four grandchildren, one foster child and two staying put children. We all love going on holiday together. Having BBQs and days out.
How many children have you fostered and what types of fostering have you done?
“I’ve fostered over 100 children, short term, long term and respite.”
Who lives at home?
“Myself and my husband, 9 year old foster child and two staying put young people.”
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer or starting the process?
“Go for it. There are so many rewards… watching children thrive and achieve their dreams.”
What have been the positives of fostering?
“Watching a child who came when she was 4, now she’s 21. She always wanted to be a nurse. She is now at university achieving this so proud of her.”
What have been the challenges?
“When children have made the wrong choices with the friends they have made. And have not been able to support them because they have refused help.”
What changes have you seen in the children you have fostered?
“One off to university and another 18 year old doing very well working part time and bought her first car. So proud of both.
“It’s been lovely watching a little boy excel with his reading.”
What impact has fostering had on your family?
“Over the years we feel that we have helped so many children to go on and achieve great things. My own grandchildren have loved having other children to play with.”
How do you find the support we give you? Do you have close relationships with other foster carers?
“I am lucky because my other two sisters foster. I have a great support network.”
Please could you ask the child/children you are fostering to describe you?
“Youngest said very kind and thoughtful. Older ones said very supportive and I’ve helped them to get where they are in life.”
Request an information pack to find out more about Fostering & how your Local Authority can help you.
