Foster carers needed for teens and siblings

There are about 400 foster households in the county.

Fostering opportunities are available on both short and long-term placements.

Carers receive payments and allowances to help cover their time and expenses, as well as round-the-clock advice and support.

Herts County Council welcomes applications to find out more about fostering from people from all walks of life.

Applicants should not rule themselves out on the grounds of marital status, sexuality, disability, not owning their own home, or age, although all adopters must be over 21.

Foster carer Patrick Denney, aged 71, is a specialist foster carer for teenagers. For the past four years, he and his wife have been full-time foster carers for a 17-year-old boy.

Patrick said: “I’ve always loved fostering, but it means more now. Having someone in our lives who really needs us has proved the greatest joy.

“Being a foster carer is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done and I’m sure there are plenty of other people out there who would feel the same.

“One of the reasons we wanted to get into fostering was because of how our youngest son got into lots of trouble at school. Although he was dyslexic and had behavioural problems, we got him through and wanted to do the same for others.

“I decided to pursue my dream and care for disadvantaged teenagers and I haven’t looked back. Of course there are new challenges each day, but I’m a positive, determined person so me and my wife have overcome them together.”

To find out more, call 0800 917 0925 or visit hertfordshire.gov.uk/fosteringwishlist