A much-loved foster couple retiring after 42 years have made an urgent appeal – with the very first child they ever fostered by their side - for a new generation of foster carers to come forward. We spoke to them and some current foster carers about the rewards and challenges of foster care.
It was nearly 42 years ago when a two-year-old boy first walked into the home of then brand new foster couple Janette and Neil Dewsbury and changed all their lives forever.
That little lad, Donny O’Shea, still calls round to Neil and Janette for Sunday lunch - and he was right there with them, beaming with pride, when the couple and their children Alan and Claire received special thanks on their retirement as foster carers from the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland.
They were thanked for helping Donny. And they were thanked for helping other children. Hundreds of them. Vulnerable children from newborn babies to teenagers on the brink of adulthood have been shown a loving home by the Dewsburys.
Donny surely spoke for all of those at the emotional high tea in the Dewsbury’s honour laid on by Redcar and Cleveland Mayor, Cllr Neil Bendelow.
“I don’t know what would have become of me without them,” he said. “I’d just like to say ‘thank you’…thank you for everything.”
The Dewsburys from Liverton Mines, East Cleveland, who were awarded MBEs for fostering, are appealing for the next generation of foster carers to come forward. It’s a serious and urgent appeal.
There is a shortage of foster carers across the country – latest Government statistics show there are 98,000 children in care on any one day and there are only 55,000 foster carers. It’s an issue which has led to the North-East being chosen for a pilot scheme to help improve recruitment.
For Neil and Janette, a key reason to foster and remain fostering has been the support that council social workers and teams are able to provide.
“We had family support and we couldn’t have done it without our children,” said Neil. “We’ve also had some amazing social workers. You’re part of a team when you foster.”
That feeling of being part of a team is inspiring the new generation of Redcar and Cleveland foster carers. Carers like Helen Laing, 47, of Redcar, who fosters with her husband Mark with the support of their son, Harry.
“I foster because I love children,” she said. “I love seeing them learn that life can be fun.
“I feel well supported here (as a foster carer with Redcar and Cleveland council). I was with an agency before when I talked to other foster carers at the council and saw the support they were getting.”
Helen acknowledged there could be challenges as foster carer, but added: “My advice to anyone thinking about it is to do it! It’s fun, it’s interesting and you learn so much.”
“It’s the most rewarding thing we have ever done,” said Gill. “To see a child smile for the first time when they feel safe and loved… Our advice for anyone thinking about it is to go for it.”
For Janette and Neil, no longer experiencing that feeling of reward every day will be a big loss.
Janette shed a few tears after being thanked by the Mayor, saying; “I’m a bit lost when we wake up in the morning now. I think, ‘where’s my baby?’ “It’s been a privilege to help all these amazing children and young people for so many years.”
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Neil said he’d also feel the loss.
“We’d do it all again,” he said, talking of his pride for Donny, that one-time two-year-old still by his side today along with the Dewsbury’s own children. Neil took another chance to repeat his appeal for other, younger people to come forward and foster.
“It’s not all easy – you get bumps on the road. But we’ve enjoyed it and it is so, so rewarding. I’d recommend anyone to get involved. Take the bumps…but enjoy the results.” With that he smiles at Donny and the Dewsburys continue their – hugely deserved – celebration.
Could you foster? Did you know foster carers get paid? Find out more at www.fosterwithnortheast.org.uk or email contact@fosterwithnortheast.org.uk or call 0800 917 7771.
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