"Fostering is something I have always wanted to do": Katy-Jane and Mark's fostering story

Mark and Katy-Jane's selfie

Katy-Jane and Mark have been fostering since 2019. They shared their story.

Katy-Jane said: “Fostering is something I have always wanted to do. Our friends were foster carers and with us supporting them Mark soon realised fostering was something he wanted to do too.

“We don’t have any children of our own and we were worried that would go against us, but it didn’t. I work with SEN children and our friends and family have children too.

“We originally said we were just going to do respite for children over five years, but this has turned into short-term, emergency care, babies with additional needs and long-term fostering!

“Fostering is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles we have done. It will push you; it will make you cry and make you laugh, but when you have those special moments of success you realise everything was worth it.

“We have seen children develop and flourish whilst in our care. The support that is on offer from LCC is fantastic, including Caring2Learn. The courses and support they offer is amazing. I’m a Foster Carer Champion and support other carers and am part of the fostering community of Lincolnshire.”

In Lincolnshire more foster carers are needed to look after some of the county's most vulnerable children and young people.

Each application to foster is considered on an individual basis and you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity or religion. However, you do need to have a spare bedroom for a child or young person to use.

In terms of practicalities, there is a fostering allowance, as well as good support and training for those who provide a home for a child or young person in need.

If you feel that you could offer a home to a child or young person, apply to foster today at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering or call our friendly team on 01522 554114.

Published: 1st March 2022