Oxfordshire couple are encouraging other families to become foster carers
The most important quality for anyone becoming a foster carer is “patience, a lot of patience, and understanding"
An Oxfordshire couple are encouraging other families to consider becoming foster carers as “there is a real need”.
It's as Oxfordshire County Council continuing to hold events next week for people to find out what's involved in becoming a foster carer.
Chris and Tabs are from West Oxfordshire, they say one of the most important qualities for anyone become a foster carer is “patience, a lot of patience and understanding that these children have been through so much”.
Speaking about their story of being a foster carer, Chris said: “We stepped forward, initially as another short team option, however, we quickly bonded and on much more than female fashion.
“In the end it was an easy decision to turn a few weeks into a long-term commitment, giving our foster daughter the family stability she needed, and on her terms, close to friends and the school she loves. She is now the princess of our family.”
Chris and Tabs have an autistic teenage son who often needs his own space and can become closed off emotionally, however, his confidence has been transformed by the new family member.
Tabs said: “Our foster daughter is a natural in putting others at their ease and our son quickly warmed to her and became much more responsive; it’s heartwarming watching them interact and seeing his confidence grow.”
The couple decided they would take their fostering a step further around two months ago when they agreed to foster a baby.
“It’s added perfectly to the family dynamic, bringing out the caring side in us all,” says Chris.
“Our foster daughter helps us with feeding, putting the baby to bed, holding him. Our son is fascinated, the baby’s made him inquisitive and he wants to ask questions, it’s another way to build his self-esteem as he observes and interacts with our newest and youngest family member.”
Chris says the support from Oxfordshire County Council’s social workers has been “brilliant” and that they “respond promptly to our questions and offer training and guidance”.
He also says it’s “about giving the foster children stability, opportunities to be themselves, to grow, develop and explore the interests that are important to them.”
Chris added: “Seeing the joy it brings to our foster daughter makes me feel incredibly proud of our family and how much of a right decision it was to become foster carers.”
During Foster Care Fortnight, Oxfordshire County Council’s foster care team will be hosting in-person events to promote fostering.
These events will take place in:
Didcot: Monday 19 May 2025, from 1pm to 4pm, at Didcot Library, 197 Broadway, Didcot OX11 8RU
Bicester: Thursday 22 May 2025, from 2pm to 5pm, at Bicester Library, Wesley Lane, Franklins House, Bicester OX26 6JU
Further information about becoming a foster carer is also available by visiting oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering, emailing [email protected] or phoning 0800 783572.