Could you change a child’s life and be a foster carer? Northumberland Foster Service supports you all the way

That’s the message from Northumberland Council, which is looking for more foster carers to help children and young people on a short- and long-term basis.

Whether you are ready to apply or wish to have an informal chat about your options for a time in the future, the friendly fostering team would be glad to hear from you.

The Northumberland foster care team look after children who can't live with their parents for short or long periods of time – and there are a variety of reasons why this might be necessary. 

But they need a variety of homes to place these young people in and for this they need people, individuals, and families, to join their team to help care for these children. 

Before anyone says yes to fostering, they will have training and be prepared for the role, and Northumberland foster care team continues to provide ongoing support to anyone who joins its Foster Family.

Allison’s story

Allison Stevens is one such foster carer, she says the support of the team is what has kept her fostering. Her journey began back in 2015, which she and husband Peter, became foster carers.

“I knew after our interview that both Northumberland Fostering and Zuzana, as our Fostering Social Worker, would be a good fit,” she said.

“There were some difficult topics to discuss. She had compassion but wasn’t fazed, and a little bit scatty like me. The most important part was she could be a good match for Peter, my husband. You see, Peter takes a bit of getting used to as his since of humour is quite dry and he’s sarcastic; so, a little like marmite - you either love him or hate him.  Zuzana reserved judgment until she got to know him better and now, she gives as good as she gets, and Peter has met his match.”

Support from the wider team

“To say it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride would not be an exaggeration. Our first child had a lot of challenging issues that we needed to help her through. This did not deter us – we learned a lot and Zuzana was there right by our side.

“The time and the children staying with us rolled on, and Karen stepped in to cover Zuzana’s duties whilst on maternity leave. I couldn’t believe it! I was so fortunate to have another person who “got us” and managed us well. Humour, straight talker and honest, reliable and caring, I felt I’d hit the jackpot! You see I’m not the easiest person to manage, I’m passionate, obstinate, determined, can’t always find the right words, think differently, give explanation in story - so patience is required, lol.”

More than 11 children in our care

“We still see some of the children we have cared for now they are adults, a little like an extended family.  Often Zuzana and I will have a quick catch up on them in our chats, you see we never stop caring – foster carer and social worker.”

A new chapter – Mockingbird Foster Care

“Now we’re about to begin on another leg of our journey in the Mockingbird project, Zuzana as the liaison worker and me as a Family Hub Carer, the second Mockingbird Family in Northumberland.  We’re both very excited to begin.

“Almost ten years on in our journey, so here’s to the next, all the dramas, the tears - happy and sad, the laughter compassion and more BUT the most important part to all of this is the CONSISTENCY throughout and how we feel we have benefited from this as foster carers. Zuzana has been a constant to the children in our care, as well as us - she knows them all so well.

“So a big thank you to the Northumberland team!  Keep thinking outside the box with your creativity in bettering foster care in Northumberland.  We feel we have grown with you all, from root to branch in this sturdy fostering family tree.”

To learn more about fostering, who is eligible to foster, what benefits, support and training there is and what Mockingbird Families are, visit the website here.