“Children remember feeling safe”: Call for more foster carers in North Lincolnshire

Children across North Lincolnshire need safe, stable homes – and more residents are being asked to consider whether they could help provide the moments young people remember for the rest of their lives.

There is a growing need for foster carers locally, particularly for older children, sibling groups and children with additional needs – with young people needing support, stability and somewhere they can feel safe.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families and children, said: “Behind every fostering story is a child who simply needs someone to believe in them.

“Children don’t remember policies or processes. They remember feeling safe. They remember someone sitting with them when they were frightened, helping them settle into a new school, listening to them, encouraging them and making them feel like they matter – that’s what foster carers do every single day.”

North Lincolnshire’s fostering offer forms part of children’s services rated Outstanding by Ofsted recently for the fourth consecutive time, with inspectors praising the stability and care provided to children living with local foster families.

Inspectors highlighted that children in North Lincolnshire are cared for in “stable, in-house foster homes” where their needs are met to a “very high standard”, giving children “a sense of security and certainty about their future living arrangements.”

Ofsted also praised the council’s “excellent training offer” for foster carers, including a strong emphasis on therapeutic parenting approaches, alongside the strong sense of community built around fostering families across North Lincolnshire.

This Foster Care Fortnight, local foster carers and young people will be sharing honest reflections about what fostering really means – from offering calm during moments of chaos to helping children rebuild confidence, trust and belonging.

Cllr Reed went onto say: “As an adoptive parent myself, I know just how life-changing a loving and stable home can be for a child. Foster carers provide that same care, patience and reassurance at some of the most important moments in a young person’s life.

A series of events and activities will take place across North Lincolnshire during Foster Care Fortnight, giving residents the chance to meet the fostering team, ask questions and learn more about what fostering involves.

Events include:

• Friday 15 May – Twilight Walk and Fun in the Park, Central Park, 4.45pm to 6.30pm
• Saturday 16 May – Park Run Takeover, Central Park Scunthorpe, starts at 9am
• Sunday 17 May – Curly’s Athletes Big Green 10k, Scunthorpe, Race starts at 11am
• Tuesday 19 May – Business Hive Networking Event, John Leggott College, 12.30pm to 2.30pm
• Wednesday 20 May – Fostering Friendly Pop-Up, Business Hive, Brigg, 9.30am to 1pm
• Wednesday 20 May – Online Information Evening, 6.30pm to 8pm
• Thursday 21 May – Brigg Farmers Market, Brigg, 9am to 1pm

Cllr Reed added: “Foster caring is one of the most rewarding things you can do, please join us at any of the upcoming events or just give us a ring.”

For more information about fostering in North Lincolnshire, visit North Lincolnshire Council website, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024.