As part of the Fostering Network’s national Sons and Daughters Month, which takes place each October, the four Cheshire local authorities that make up Foster4 are highlighting the valuable role sons and daughters of foster carers play.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board member for Children & Young People, Cllr Tom McInerney, said: “It’s important to recognise the positive impact that sons and daughters of foster carers have. “The decision to foster is something that everyone in the household needs to support and while sharing their parents, home and things with children they don’t know can sometimes be a bit of a learning curve, sons and daughters of foster carers contribute massively to the childhood of children and young people coming into the home. Growing up as part of a fostering family and can hugely benefit sons and daughters too- by seeing life from other children’s perspectives and enriching their life experiences.
“This month we’ll be rewarding all sons and daughters with a small gift to show our gratitude. We’ll also be lighting up all three pillars of the Mersey Gateway Bridge orange on 7 October to celebrate the importance of growing up as part of a fostering family during Sons and Daughters Month.”
Sasha, who grew up in a fostering household said:
“My mum and dad started fostering when I was 13 and my brother was 9. It’s certainly not all been plain sailing but it’s definitely changed my life for the better. “It’s all I’ve ever known and now I’m an adult with a young family of my own, I’m still very much an active part of our fostering family. I help out with caring for the children my mum and dad have in their care, and get involved with the recruitment of new carers. I often attend information sessions and even attend initial visits to new carers, who sometimes worry how their own children will cope.”
Foster4 is a collaborative foster carer recruitment service for Halton Borough Council, Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
To find out more about Sons and Daughters Month and fostering, visit www.foster4.co.uk, @foster4cheshire on Facebook or call 01925 444100.
The Mersey Gateway bridge will be lit up orange for Sons and Daughters Month Monday 7 October and pictures will feature on @Foster4Cheshire and @HaltonBC social media pages.