“BEFORE I came in to fostering, I thought we all had happy childhoods, but now as a foster carer, I realise that’s not the case.”

Those were the words of Steve who, along with partner Amanda, have been fostering children in Somerset for more than a decade.

The couple have spoken about their experiences helping care for young people as part of Foster Care Fortnight, a national awareness initiative running from May 12 to 25.

In Somerset, there are around 630 children in care, with more than 60% aged between 11 and 18 – but with fewer than 150 in-house fostering households, more are urgently needed.

“We didn’t realise until we became foster carers how many children are in the care system, and how many foster carers short they are, nationwide,” said Steve.

“We received the call for our first placement on the same day we were approved as carers, which really does show the desperate need for more foster homes.”

Steve and Amanda have been fostering for more than 11 years, providing safety and support for more than 25 vulnerable children, often on a long-term basis, but also providing emergency and respite care.

Though they have five children of their own, they began fostering when their two youngest children were at secondary school.

“Our house has always been busy, and we love having a busy life and home with the children,” said Amanda. “We started out with one foster child but this quickly increased, and it just went from there.”

Steve and Amanda currently foster three children, having previously moved to a bigger house with more bedrooms to support an additional child.

And while they acknowledged there can be challenges along the way, Amanda said she would encourage people to consider fostering due to the rewards it can bring, be it on a short-term or long-term basis.

“There have been some challenges along the way, but it is very rewarding when you see how far the children can come,” she said. “I would honestly tell anyone interested in fostering to seriously consider it, because it’s a wonderful thing to do.”

Cllr Heather Shearer, lead member for children, families and education, said: “Carers like Steve and Amanda show real dedication to young people in our care, helping them to realise their true potential whilst providing much needed stability and support.

“I want to extend my thanks to Steve and Amanda, and all our valued foster carers across Somerset for the genuine difference they make to the lives and futures of local young people every day.”

A range of flexible options are available to suit carers’ lifestyles, such as occasional care of a child for one weekend a month, or during school holidays.

Foster carers need to be aged 21 or over with a spare room in their home. No experience is necessary as full training and support is provided, including weekly payments to provide financial support.

For more information on fostering in Somerset, visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk, or call 0800 587 9900 for an informal chat about what is on offer.