A couple who have made a difference to the lives of almost 80 children through 30 years of fostering have been recognised for their “unwavering support and love”.
Ruth and Andy Ive, who live in Burton-in-Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, were among 70 foster carers who came together at Fostering North Yorkshire’s conference to be thanked for their support and honoured for offering stability and a place to stay in their homes for children and young people.
This year’s event took place at Carlton Lodge in Thirsk. Dozens of children of foster families also took part with activities including archery, arts and crafts, paddleboarding and team-building games.
North Yorkshire Council currently cares for 518 “looked after” children and young people.
The council’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson acknowledges and pays tribute to the dedication of the county’s foster carers and appeals to people who can offer a loving home.
She said: “It’s a privilege to honour the incredible commitment and compassion of our foster carers. Their tireless dedication has transformed the lives of so many children and this event is a fitting tribute to their unwavering support and love.
“Our foster carers provide much more than just a safe place to say. They offer stability, love and hope, and guide our children through the most difficult of times. And we’re always looking for more people to join our growing fostering family.”
The Ives said fostering was not something they knew about back in 1995, but once they completed the application process, they have thrived with offering dozens of children a new home over the years.
Mother-of-two Mrs Ive said: “In the early days children were moved more frequently, sadly. We quickly came to the realisation that it was better for children to stay in one place and so we’ve tried to offer long-term fostering.
“There have been challenges over the years as well as joys and triumphs. I have never felt like giving up, three of our long-term children have become part of our family. One of the brothers has recently had a baby with his girlfriend which is wonderful news and we’re very much seen as the grandparents.”
She added: “We went into fostering saying we didn’t want to look after teenagers or disabled children – guess what, most of our children have been teenagers or had disabilities.
“I would suggest to anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer to consider sleepovers first – not only is it really needed but it gives the carers time in between visits to think and reflect about how things went and if there are any behaviours that they need support in understanding and ways of responding to.”
The council’s assistant director for children and families, Mel Hutchinson, said: “Every child deserves a safe and stable start to life, and we are thankful to people like the Ives who have opened space in their homes and hearts to offer safety and security to a child who, for whatever reason, cannot live with their parents.
“There is a range of opportunities for anyone interested in fostering, including short break fostering or planned regular sleepovers which provide options for adults who work full-time to foster at weekends in a flexible way. Foster carers receive full training and support to help to turn young lives around. There are also tax-free payments and allowances available.”
Drop-in events are being organised to provide information for anyone considering fostering:
- Thursday, July 17, 1pm to 3pm. Filey Library, Station Avenue, Filey, YO14 9AE.
- Tuesday, July 29, Ryedale Show, Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB.
There is no upper age limit for being a foster carer and you can be single or in a relationship, working, retired – our foster carers come from all sorts of backgrounds.
You can find out more online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/fostering.
