Devon couple call for more families to consider fostering children
As part of Foster Care Fortnight, Sarah Moore and Steve Lyon from Torquay, share their experience
A couple from Devon are urging others in the area to offer a home to vulnerable children and young people by considering a career in fostering.
As part of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from Monday 10th - Sunday 23rd May, Sarah Moore and Steve Lyon, from Torquay, are hoping by sharing their experiences they can encourage more people to think about fostering.
Sarah, a former care worker for adults with disabilities, made the decision to become a full-time foster carer in 2017, while her partner Steve, who worked for the local authority managing leisure services, continued to work until 2018 when he too made the decision to leave his job and also become a full-time carer.
Becoming a foster carer was a natural progression for Sarah who was a nursery nurse when she left school and has worked in the care sector ever since. Steve, however, left behind a career of more than 35 years so that the couple could offer a home to others in need.
Speaking about their decision to foster, Steve said: "Initially, I was going to carry on in my job after we started fostering, but I soon realised that fostering was more fulfilling than anything else, it has been so rewarding and we haven't looked back since."
The couple share four grown up children from previous relationships: Leah 24, Estelle 29, Joel 30, and the eldest, 31-year-old Danielle, who has four children of her own, making Sarah and Steve grandparents to Elouise, Elliot, Oliver, and Isla.
In 2016, when all of their children were more independent, the couple knew that they had the room to foster and felt that it was the right time in their lives to open their homes to children and young people in need.
It was something the couple had been thinking about for a while, so when Steve's friend who has been a foster carer for more than over 20 years recommended Five Rivers Child Care - an independent fostering provider and social enterprise with an office in Exeter and foster carers across Devon the couple decided to get in touch.
Sarah and Steve were approved as foster carers in March 2018, and have since looked after four children on a long-term basis. The couple are currently foster carers to young siblings Leo and James, as well as teenager *Georgia who will stay with the couple until she is 18. They have also offered numerous short breaks to other children in need.
Even though the pandemic has limited the activities the family can do together, Steve says that they are lucky to have Babbacombe Beach a short walk from their home.
He said: "All the children love the outdoors. We've got a family membership with the National Trust and we all have Paignton Zoo passes, so as long as it's dry, we're outside!"
The couple's own children regularly support Sarah and Steve with their foster children.
Sarah says: "We feel so lucky to have a big family. My own children are nearing 30 but still come round regularly for all the children's birthdays and at Christmas. They've been such an amazing help that it feels like these children haven't just gained foster carers but also an older brother and sisters too."
Talking about the rewards of fostering, Steve said: "Getting to watch Georgia, Leo and James grow up in a happy environment where they can thrive has definitely been one of the best things and certainly one of the many reasons why we continue to foster. All three of them are doing really well at school. When Georgia first came to live with us she was having trouble at school but now, her tutors are really pleased with her behaviour and progress and she even wants to continue her education beyond 18.
"To anyone who is thinking about becoming a foster carer, I think it's important you've got a good sense of humour - you can't be too serious. They're children and at the end of the day and you're there to help give them a good childhood."
Discussing Foster Care Fortnight 2021, Sarah Wells, Fostering Service Manager at Five Rivers in Devon said: "Fostering can be an extremely fulfilling path for anyone who is looking to make a change in their life. Sarah and Steve amazing example of carers who have created a loving and welcoming home for vulnerable children to ensure their lives are changed for the better. Their previous experience in care has given them a great mix of skills that has helped them to have a positive influence on all the children and young people in their care.
"The coronavirus pandemic hasn't stopped us recruiting foster carers, as the need for children and young people to have stable and caring foster carers has not diminished. In fact, the number of children and young people across the UK needing foster care has risen dramatically during lockdown and we are really seeing this demand in Devon.
"We're keen to hear from people from all backgrounds who are nurturing, compassionate and enjoy supporting others, as well as anyone who has questions about fostering and the variety of roles available. We provide training and round the clock support to ensure you can provide the best care to those in need."