Valerie and Austin are foster carers for Foster for East Midlands Councils who have been looking after children since 2017. They wanted to help children feel safe and loved, and they knew they could make a difference.
Their first placement was a pair of two-year-old twins. What was meant to be a short stay became a long and happy journey. Over the years, Valerie and Austin have cared for many children, including some who arrived late at night still in school uniform. One group of three siblings arrived at 9pm in an emergency, and Valerie and Austin quickly gave them warm food, clean pyjamas and a cosy place to sleep.
Valerie said,
The first thing we do is show children around the house so they know they’re safe and are going to have their needs met. We give them something to eat and warm clothes and make sure they feel cared for.
They soon learned how important it is for brothers and sisters to stay together. At first, they thought their house was too small, but after a visit from the Council, they realised they could make it work with bunk beds and careful planning.
Austin said,
Siblings understand each other. They’ve been through the same things. The longest relationship they’ll ever have is with each other.
Valerie and Austin say the support they receive from the Council has made a huge difference to their fostering journey. They have a supervising social worker who knows them well, listens to their concerns and visits regularly. If they need advice or help, they know someone is always available by phone or email.
Austin said,
We never feel on our own. If something comes up, the Council listens and helps us find a solution. We feel trusted and supported.
The Council has also helped them with training to better understand children’s feelings and experiences. This has helped Valerie and Austin support children who may be frightened, upset or unsure when they first arrive. When challenges arise, Council staff work closely with them to make sure each child’s needs come first.
Valerie added,
You can tell the Council really cares about the children. They work with us as a team and always put the child first.
Valerie and Austin also take part in the Mockingbird programme, which brings foster carers together for friendship, advice and shared activities. Being part of this group helps them feel connected to other foster families and gives children more chances to build positive relationships.
Valerie and Austin have enjoyed many special moments, including watching the children become more confident and learn new skills through taking part in activities such as ballet, gymnastics and swimming. They have taken the children on holidays both in the UK and abroad and have enjoyed the children having opportunities with family and friends which they probably didn’t have before.
One of their proudest memories was helping two young brothers move to their adoptive family. The adopters visited Valerie and Austin’s home many times so the boys could get used to them.
Valerie said,
We were nervous at the start thinking how we were going to be able to welcome strangers into our home daily and help these little ones believe that they were kind, safe, friendly people who they could transfer their attachment to, but it became a lovely experience. We saw the boys become ready for their new life.
The boys still stay in touch and adopters share special moments with Valerie and Austin. When the boys were missing Valerie and Austin’s home their adoptive parents told the youngest child that there was an “invisible string” connecting his heart to Valerie and Austin’s , so he would always feel close to them.
That meant so much to us, Valerie said.
The twins who first came to stay with them are now six years old and have thrived and grown in confidence. One of the twins, who had been very shy, later amazed everyone by confidently singing on stage at a school talent show.
Austin said,
His teacher cried when she saw him. We were very proud.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, said:
Valerie and Austin show the true power of fostering. Their dedication to keeping children safe, cared for and together as siblings is inspiring. We are grateful for their commitment and proud to have them as part of the Foster for East Midlands Council’s family.
Valerie has simple advice for anyone thinking about fostering:
Do it. You can give a child a safe home and a happy future, and they will change your life too.
Those interested in fostering can contact Foster for East Midlands Councils on 03033 132 950, email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or visit Foster for East Midlands Councils web page.