One of the Cheshire West and Chester Council’s longest serving foster carers has recently retired after 43 years of dedicated service to Cheshire West and Chester’s children and young people.

Faith Lacey from Chester began fostering with the council in March 1972 and since then she has cared for hundreds of children.

Her interest in fostering and how a child is cared for prior to being adopted started when her brother was adopting a baby. After making some enquiries she began her own fostering journey caring for babies prior to adoption.

Faith said: “I have fostered many children over the years, from babies to 21 year olds with additional needs and even expectant teenage mothers. I’ve also adopted two babies with additional needs who I’ve cared for through to adulthood.

“Many of the children have kept in touch since leaving my care and are now part of my extended family. It’s been great to see them develop in to the adults they are today. If I could do it all again I would.”

Fostering support group

All council foster carers have access to local fostering support groups alongside a dedicated social worker who is there to provide guidance and advice.

Faith added: “The support groups have been a great way to meet fellow foster carers.

“They provide extra support, offer opportunities to talk about strategies, share frustrations and knowledge. I’ve also really enjoyed attending many of the family events the Council’s fostering service organises including the annual Christmas Party which is great fun.”

Cabinet member for children and families councillor Nicole Meardon said: “We’re grateful to every one of the council’s foster carers who provide stable and secure homes and the best start in life for the children and young people in our care.

Committed to helping children

“Faith has been committed to helping children in the borough and ensuring they receive the love and support they need. As a supporter of the Council’s fostering service, providing help and advice to other foster carers along the way, she really will be missed.

“A key priority for the council is to recruit more foster carers to meet the rising number of children who are in our care across the borough. We particularly need foster carers to look after children over five years old, siblings, teenagers and children with additional needs.”

Faith’s top tips for people considering fostering include: “Have a sense of humour, be adaptable and don’t have any preconceptions of the children you care for. Most importantly have the ability to help children in your care achieve their very best.”

The council’s fostering team provides all foster carers with full training, continuous support for both the carer and their family and a financial package.

If you feel inspired by Faith’s fostering story and would like to find out more about fostering with Cheshire West and Chester Council, visit: www.smileadoptionandfostering.co.uk or telephone 01244 972222.