Critical Shortage Of Foster Parents In Leeds

There's a critical shortage of foster carers in Leeds - around 1340 children here are in need of a home.

That's one of the highest amounts in the UK, according to Fostering Solutions.

As part of Foster Care Fortnight, a couple in the city are encouraging more local people to consider doing it

29-year-olds Jamie Lewton and his partner Simon Midgely became foster carers last year. They’re now setting up a support service for other same-sex couples across the country who'd like to do it.

Initially they admit they were put off because they thought it’d be costly and they may be rejected for being a same-sex couple, but they found this wasn’t the case.

“We wanted to foster because in the past I’ve had a difficult background, I never went in the care system but I do understand from a child’s perspective what learning new routines is like.

"I wanted to make a difference. I think what I like about fostering is the ability to help numerous children and however brief they’re with you – if you can make some positive impact there then it’s definitely worthwhile.

"Moving from homes to homes myself I had to pick up routines and understand different carer’s boundaries and so it was almost like starting afresh quite a lot... From a child’s perspective it can be quite daunting to not have that support, that stability from someone who’s there for you and cares for you”.

They were approved last year and have been caring for a 15-year-old boy, which Simon says is massively rewarding.

“Obviously there were challenges that we faced but for the whole he was a really really good child and we had a lot of fun. In terms of helping him towards GCSEs- that was something I’m really proud of. We just used a revision plan, we got him some revision books and we gave him a goal.

“I’d advise other couples or individuals looking to foster to not be put off by things you’re worried about as they probably aren’t an issue. If you are part of a same sex couple then this doesn’t even come into it as far as ability to foster is concerned.

"If you have a home to offer and love to give then this is all that matters. It really does fill you with happiness knowing that you have helped to shape someone’s life for the better and any challenges faced, regardless of your own circumstances, are far outweighed by the positives. Seeing a child develop and grow in confidence is very rewarding.”

For more information, visit the Fostering Solutions website by clicking here.

Who can foster? Click here for more answers on the council's website.