Interview: Offering a loving home to children in need

Colleen has helped to change the lives of more than 60 children since she and her husband became foster carers three years ago.

Sometimes that has meant offering an emergency bolt hole for children as young as two who are at risk, or short-term respite care to give struggling parents a break.

At the moment Colleen’s five-bedroomed Spen Valley house is a longer-term home to two siblings aged nine and 11, as well as her own 13-year-old son.

“The difference we have seen in both children since we first met two years ago is overwhelming. Both have developed in so many ways. They are confident, popular with other children, perform well at school and enjoy being part of a stable family environment. It’s really rewarding to know you have played a big part in helping each child grow and achieving to the best of their ability,” says Colleen.

There is a shortage of more than 8,000 foster carers in the UK. In Kirklees, the area Colleen covers, there are more than 340 children looked after by foster carers, but due to a shortage more than 100 have to be cared for outside of the district, away from family and friends.

The district council is looking to recruit an extra 25 foster carers a year to try to avoid the need to ship children out to other areas.

Coun Ken Smith, joint Cabinet member for Children and Families says: “There is a general all-round shortage of foster carers across Kirklees although we do particularly need more people to look after teenagers and sibling groups plus carers who would be interested in short break, support care or long-term fostering.”

They are hoping a recruitment drive which runs until March 31 will give them the extra people they need.

“Fostering is hard work but the benefits to everyone, not just the children you look after are massive,” says Colleen.

“My own son has learnt the rewards of spending time with other children who just have so much to give. He has often asked if some of them can stay longer.”

Colleen, 42, decided to become a foster carer after her husband saw a newspaper advertisement. She was working in the voluntary sector in a care centre and both she and her husband were heavily involved in the local community.

“When Stephen saw the ad he said it would be the perfect role for me. An old school friend of mine who had been fostering for 10 years also thought I should give it a go,” says Colleen.

“It was a big step to take, not only because of the challenge ahead of us but also the changes we would have to make at home. We sat down with my son who was nine at the time, talked it through and agreed it was something we would definitely like to get involved in.”

At first Colleen managed to juggle fostering with work but quite quickly it became apparent that something would have to give.

“The pressure to balance what was happening at work and home meant I had to make a choice. My husband and I lead busy lives we both do a lot of work in the community. Stephen is an Institute of Advanced Motorists driving instructor and in his spare time is a Cub Scout leader, drives a minibus for the local church and we both help to run a local youth club. People often say how do we fit it all in – sometimes I wonder myself, but to be honest the kids love getting involved in everything that we do.”

Despite fostering more than 60 children in the last three years, Colleen says they have never had a bad experience.

“The council does its best to match the children with the foster carer and I try to find out as much about them as possible before the placement starts, but sometimes it is not always possible. We have been very lucky in the fact we haven’t had a bad experience. We did have one boy who had bad temper tantrums but after six weeks they had really reduced. Kirklees trains you how to manage certain situations.”

It is a testament to the Callaghans and their all-encompassing patience and love for the vulnerable children in their care that all the experiences have been so positive.

“Sometimes it is hard to get them to open up, many have been let down by adults before, but it is a case of being there for them when they need it, and always keeping any promise we make to them. We try to make them as comfortable as possible. They really love our dog, which helps them learn about caring for something else. We also try to have a bit of fun with them. They really love getting involved in all our community work and actually get a lot out of helping others.”

Although Colleen is not allowed to keep in touch with the children once they have left her care she does sometimes bump into them in the street.

“It is so great to see them, especially when they are doing well and they always come and give me a big hug.”

Colleen admits that it is sometimes hard to let the children go, especially when she doesn’t always know what happens to them.

“I just have to trust that the right decisions have been made for the child in each circumstance,” she says. “It is hard sometimes not to get too involved but we do get a lot of training and support.”

Part of this support comes in the form of the Kirklees Fostering Network a charity set up to help foster carers.

Colleen is now chair of the local charity. The group meets up once a month to share experiences, solve problems and find out about other services available to them.

“It can just really help to talk to other people. It can be a difficult job but the rewards are worth it.”

Coun Smith added: “Foster carers work as part of a team, with social workers, teachers and other professionals to help the children they look after. They provide care for children and young people in their home, while their own family are unable to look after them. Fostering can be hard work but it is also very rewarding. You’ll need dedication, energy and compassion – together with a spare room in your house.”

Colleen adds: “You really do have to put the time and effort in if you want to make a difference to the life of a child in foster care. This not only helps the child but gives you a real sense of pride in what you and they have achieved.

“If you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer, contact the fostering team. I know many other carers who wish they had gone in to fostering sooner – I know I certainly did.”

no barriers to applying

Foster carers come from all age groups and backgrounds:

• Single – male or female, married, living as a couple, divorced or widowed

• With or without children

• Any religious faith or none at all

• Any cultural background

• Homeowners or renting

• Employed, retired or on benefits

• With or without childcare experience

• With or without qualifications.

For further information on becoming a foster carer visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 389 0086.