A Celebration of Mothering! Mothering Sunday is a chance for us all to show how much we appreciate our mothers. We buy them flowers, take them out for nice dinners and pamper them. It’s the one day we actually take a moment to reflect on the world’s most difficult job: parenting. Over time, the traditional family has changed. Today, many people are taking on the role of mothering, be it step parents, grandparents or older siblings. This Mothering Sunday we want to acknowledge those who step into the role of parent, often in the most difficult of circumstances - those who foster and adopt.
According to Barnardo’s, there are currently 3,000 children in the North West of England awaiting foster homes, and over 10,000 nationwide. Barnardo’s, together with other charities and local authorities are working very hard to find long term homes for them to ensure that they don’t get stuck in the care system. At the moment the shortage of foster parents is almost at crisis point. In a recent survey by Barnardo’s they found that 79% of people in Yorkshire had never even considered fostering. Why? “What people don’t realise,” says Dot Jarvis, Children’s Services Manager for the Yorkshire Region of Barnardo’s, “is that anybody from the age of 25 up can foster. There is no upper age limit, what is important is that carers have the basic skills and the capacity to do the job. Obviously carers also have to be in a position to practically care for a child. We have a careful screening process to ensure the child is matched with the right foster parents and we supply plenty of ongoing support and training once the child has been placed.” Although these children do often come from difficult backgrounds, foster parents always speak of how incredibly rewarding the experience is. Leeds City Councillor Brenda Lancaster, fostered children for six years. A stay-at-home mum and childminder with three children of her own, it was her doctor who suggested she try fostering. “It
was the most rewarding thing I have ever done”, said Brenda. “A lot of people say they would never consider doing it, but it’s wonderful to be able to offer kids a safe and stable environment and watch them grow.” Brenda went on to expand her family by adopting a baby boy who had hydrocephalus and spina bifida he’s now a successful painter and decorator. Lord Laming, a child protection expert said last year: “All children need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.” Fostering can be challenging, the same as any job, but the rewards are immeasurable - you can help to turn children’s lives around. Sue, who fostered two young brothers commented: “They were absolutely lovely, but very challenging! Though that didn’t put us off. We knew this family needed support and the boys’ behaviour was a result of all the frustration.” Another foster carer, Hellene, said: “There is the odd hiccup now and then, like there is with any family, but the key is understanding and patience. The rewards are huge.” Yorkshire has a shortage of foster and adoptive parents right now, so if you feel you could offer a
loving, safe environment, taking a child into your care could be an experience well worth it. Contact Barnardo’s on 0870 240 8342 or afby@barnardos.org.uk and find out about the training and support that could set you on the road to fostering or adoption. Happy Mothering Sunday!
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th three of her child
wi Brenda Lancaster