A THURROCK couple have opened their hearts to talk about the benefits and joys of fostering.

When thinking about fostering, it is normal to think about how it will affect the foster parents or the children in foster care, however, another group can sometimes be overlooked – the children of foster carers. 

These young people play a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for children and young people in care.

They can also learn and develop from the enriching experience of seeing life from a different perspective. 

Two local foster parents, Rachel and Dave, both 39 from Corringham, about how their children have adjusted to the fostering journey. 

For Rachel and Dave, they were aware of how fostering could change their family dynamic.

However, through consistent communication, they were able to ensure their children felt part of their fostering journey. 

"Our children were seven and nine when we started fostering. We made sure they were fully involved in every part of the process, talking to them initially about the idea of fostering - what it is and what it would mean for them. 

"We kept them updated with every step until we were approved and started taking our first placements. 

"If we didn't know it before, our fostering journey really has taught us that open, honest and consistent communication with our children is key." Rachel said. 

Many people say that the potential impact on their children is one of the major barriers to becoming a foster carer, but Rachel and Dave have found the experience has seen their own children grow and develop.  

"Our children have learnt to welcome each new foster child into our home with gentleness and patience.  

"It has been wonderful to see them grow in their compassion and understanding of the world." Dave said. 

Over their fostering journey, they have looked after children of different ages and for different lengths of time. Finding what worked best for their family, has been part of their fostering journey.

"We have had a variety of different aged foster children join our family - some for short periods of respite and our longest for two years and counting.  

"Over time, we have realised that having foster children younger than our own is the best fit for our family at the moment.

"Identifying what works well for your family is important as it means you can give your best to your own children and to each foster placement.  

"Our children love playing with the little one who is with us at the moment, and the little one saves their biggest smiles and heartiest giggles for our children." Rachel said.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services and education, said: "We are lucky enough to have a host of remarkable foster carers who help to provide vulnerable young people in our borough with a safe and loving home for them to grow.

"Many people say that the potential impact on their children is one of the major barriers to becoming a foster carer. We want to help break down these barriers by showcasing how enriching fostering can be for parents and their children. 

"It's delightful to hear about the positive impact fostering has had on Rachel and Dave's own children. Hopefully hearing about how enriching the fostering journey can be will inspire more people to start thinking about fostering." 

To find out more about fostering in Thurrock, visit the Fostering webpage.