Sutton Council celebrates Foster Care Fortnight by shining a light on inspirational carers

Sutton Council’s Fostering Service has been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide homes to some of the borough's most vulnerable children and young people and have captured the stories of inspiring children and families.

Foster Care Fortnight’s theme this year is #WhyWeCare and a range of families shared their experiences:

Several of our fostering families shared their experiences;

“We have been fostering for about 14 years now and have looked after many children from 0-18 years old. We have had  two lovely children with us for the last nearly nine years and they are our ‘forever boys’.” - Helen Longford, Long-Term Foster Carer

“One of the best feelings in fostering was watching our lovely Georgia graduate with a 2.1 degree in Education and watch her blossom and grow. So immensely proud of everything she has achieved and the love we have for her and the children in our care. To see our beautiful young girl work hard for her A-levels with such creativity in the subjects she has chosen. The little ones who have been with us and helping to prepare their path for adoption.” - Chris Naylor, Foster Carer

“The rewards start with you building a great relationship with the child / young person. Seeing them grow and develop throughout your time together and being part of your family when they are with you is a great experience.” - Mary Deere, Short Breaks Foster Carer

Councillor Marian James, Lead Member of the People Directorate said; “Developing a safe, nurturing and supportive dynamic for all of Sutton’s Children Looked After/In Care is so crucial in enabling them to reach their full potential. It is wonderful to hear so many amazing stories of families who have opened their doors to foster. I am hopeful that this year’s campaign encourages new potential carers to investigate further and perhaps take that step to becoming a foster carer. In Sutton we are proud of how inclusive and supportive our Fostering Service is and you can foster no matter your background, sexuality, ethnicity, relationship status.”

For more information on Fostering in Sutton, please visit - www.fosteringinsutton.gov.uk