'I feared I wouldn't be able to foster due to common myth, now I've looked after 27 children'

Foster carer Marieta
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


One of Lancashire most 'incredible' foster carers almost didn't fill in an application form because she thought she wouldn't be accepted.

Marieta said she didn't have the best start in life and thought that this would have been a barrier to becoming a foster carer, which it wasn't. Instead, she was delighted to find her experience was actually a 'real strength' and one which has benefited both her and the young people in her care.

Marieta and her husband Ste have been foster carers with Lancashire County Council since 2009. In that time, they have looked after 27 children on both short-term and long-term foster care arrangements.

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The authority has launched a myth-busting campaign to dispel some of the common misconceptions about becoming a foster carer. Someone's relationship status, sexuality, gender, age or religion will not have an impact on them starting this role.

They have foster carers who are single and others that are in a relationship, while others have birth children and others have no children. Explaining why it took her a while to apply, Marieta said: "I remember getting all the information sent out about five or six years before we actually became foster carers.

The couple have looked after 27 children since 2009
The couple have looked after 27 children since 2009

"I didn't go ahead at the time because I was worried about my childhood affecting our application. When our two birth children were a bit older I decided to call the fostering team and we had our first interview.

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"I spoke about my concerns, but it was quite refreshing to be told that this is actually a strength rather than a barrier and I think it's really helped me on our fostering journey. I can see what some of the children that come to us are struggling with and I can really help them.

"If you are worried about things that have happened in your life then you need to look at those as a positive and a strength, rather than them being a negative thing."

She added: "We're always very aware of a child's birth family and we don't want to replace them or take on that role. But when children have lived with us for a long time then we kind of become that.

"It's a huge privilege being called mum and dad by some of these kids."

Foster carer Ste
Foster carer Ste

Councillor Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for children and families, said: "Our foster carers come from all walks of life. Overcoming adversity, like Marieta, shows real resilience and is certainly not a hinderance in the assessment.

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"Barriers to fostering are rare, certainly not your age, race, gender or whether you're a homeowner; all that is required is the ability to open your heart and home. Our only aim is to find people who can provide the stability and care that children and teenager's need in order to reach their true potential.

"The basic requirements to become a foster carer are you must be 21 years old or over and have a spare room or be planning to have one soon. Fostering is incredibly rewarding and it's clear that Marieta and Ste have made a huge difference to the lives of 27 children and counting."

Lancashire County Council is looking for new foster carers to come forward. If you've been considering it then call 0300 019 0200.

You can also register to join an information event to find out about what is involved in applying to fostering. The next online event is on Tuesday, February 25, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

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