As part of Foster Care Fortnight, Susan and George Townsend hope that by sharing their own story they can encourage more people to think about fostering siblings.
Susan, 49, and husband George, 52, have been fostering with North Tyneside Council for 18 years and during that time have welcomed four sibling groups into their home.
“When we started our journey all those years ago, we always wanted to open our home to siblings. The thought of brothers or sisters being separated breaks our hearts when they have lost so much already. Fostering siblings is so heart-warming and rewarding.” Susan said.
The couple decided to foster when their own biological children were young – it was after their two-year-old was diagnosed with a medical condition that it brought home why it was important to foster sibling groups.
Susan added: “Being a parent makes you think of what would happen to your children if anything were to happen to you – and having one child with a medical condition, our fear was that they would be split up. If you have a brother or sister, look back to your childhood can you imagine living in a different home to them? Keeping families together is an important role for us.
“When children come into care their only rock is their brother and sisters; they deserve wherever they can – and if it is safe to do so – to remain to live together. When brothers and sisters get to stay together, in our experience, they settle into their new home quicker, they get to see each other every day, experience regular memories, birthdays and other special occasions. This can only be a positive for their mental health.”
And for the last six years, three brothers, aged 10, 11 and 13, have lived with Susan and George – becoming a big part of their family.
George said: “They are a significant role model to our grandchildren and the memories we have created will always be with us all. We have made so many fantastic memories, too many to mention, but Christmas as a family unit is the most treasured of all – getting to open presents together and spend the day as brothers.
North Tyneside Council children’s services was rated ‘outstanding’ at the last Ofsted inspection in 2020 and the couple praised the support they’ve received.
George added: “Over the years, North Tyneside Council has been a big support to us and the children. The children class all the social workers as very big parts of their lives because they take the time with them. There is regular training and regular visits from social workers so you can work together to solve anything that need solving and celebrate the wins, and I’m pleased to say we have had more wins!”
“If you are thinking of becoming foster carers for a family of siblings, don’t think about it, just do it! You will help a family to stay together.”
The council is recruiting foster carers, especially those willing to look after older children, teenagers and sibling groups.
Cllr Peter Earley, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Susan and George do a remarkable job - they have made such a difference to all four sibling groups they have cared for and have positively influenced their futures. It is absolutely fantastic that they have kept these children together. For children coming into care, often the only constant presence is from their brothers or sisters. Being able to stay together can bring reassurance, comfort and love.
“I cannot thank Susan and George and our other foster carers enough for the commitment, dedication and passion they demonstrate in caring for some our most vulnerable children, especially during the pandemic.
“We are always seeking more foster carers, and I would really encourage those who think they may have space in their hearts and home to get in touch with our fostering team.”
There are many different types of fostering and each carer chooses what is right for them and their family. Fostering can be anything from taking a child into your home for one weekend a month, to looking after them on a full-time basis for a few months, or perhaps permanently. For example, the council’s emergency and short-break schemes provide someone with the flexibility to continue to work and earn an extra income as part of a rota.
The council offers foster carers competitive allowances, training and support.
The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity is running a campaign ‘Foster Care Fortnight’ to raise the profile of fostering and is taking place, taking between May 10 and 23.
For more information about fostering in North Tyneside, email fostering@northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 2540.
