A new mini documentary has launched, following writer, comedian and family man Adam Buxton as he visits two local authority foster families in the East of England. Approaching fostering from the perspective of someone who “doesn’t know anything about children in care”.
Over cups of tea, emptying the dishwasher, Top Trumps, a dog walk and a kick-about in the garden, Adam asks Gary and Catherine the kinds of questions people often have when first considering fostering.
Adam Buxton said, “I didn’t really know very much about fostering before I spent time with Gary, Shannon and Catherine. We’ve got three children and a dog at home, and the thought of adding another child or more children into our family life blows my mind. What they do, for kids who haven’t asked to be brought into care, amazes me. And Shannon’s reflections as a young person who has helped her parents to foster were just incredible. I’m full of admiration and respect for them and their families."
Gary, a former logistics manager and now factory worker, his wife, and two daughters have been fostering for their local authority for 12 years. They usually foster children in the short term and have also looked after a young girl with disabilities for a longer time. In response to Adam asking him why they foster, Gary gets emotional and replies tearfully that they do it to give children a childhood.
Catherine, a library book scheme co-ordinator, her husband Sean and their two children have been fostering for six years. They originally planned to foster on a short-term basis but have become long-term foster parents instead. Among Top Trumps and Minecraft sword repairs, Adam asks Catherine why they foster. She gestures around the lounge and replies that they’re giving a child a chance.
Thurrock Council has 271 children and young people in care, but only 68 foster families.
Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Community Safety, said: “There’s an urgent need for more foster carers, not just in Thurrock and the East of England, but across the whole country. I’m really proud of all the fantastic foster families who support our borough, but there is still a massive need for more amazing people to step forward and help to make a life changing difference to our looked-after children.
“Hopefully, by watching this documentary we’re able to inspire more people to show an interest in fostering by coming along to one of our online information sessions.”
Research shows that children thrive best in family environments and more foster carers are urgently needed to make this a reality for the classroom of children who come into care in the east of England.
To find out more about fostering, visit https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/fostering
Watch the documentary below: