'Becoming foster parents is best decision we've ever made'
BBCA couple in their 30s are encouraging younger people to consider fostering, saying it had "honestly been one of the best decisions we've made" for their whole family.
Kylie and Lee, from County Durham, are hoping to challenge stereotypes by sharing their experience of fostering while raising children of their own.
According to Foster with North East (FWNE), there are approximately 6,000 children currently living in care in the region.
Kylie, 37, said they wanted other younger families to "realise fostering could be an option for them".
After a thorough assessment process, the couple began fostering in February 2025 and currently care for two young children alongside their daughter, Casey, 13, and son, James, 9.
Kylie, who previously worked as a senior carer in a care home, said she began considering fostering after major spinal surgery forced her to rethink her career.
"I still wanted to help people," she said. "We'd seen advertisements for fostering and thought this was a way to keep doing what I wanted to do, just helping a younger generation."
The couple spoke to their own children and "involved them every step of the way" to make sure it was right for their family.
They admitted the approval process could feel "daunting" and "intrusive", but said they understood the importance of thorough checks because "foster carers look after vulnerable children".
Foster with the North EastLee, 38, who also works part-time in a warehouse, said the most rewarding part of fostering was giving children "a stable, safe, loving environment".
"They're part of the family," he said. "I can't imagine not having them here."
The couple said fostering had boosted the confidence of both their children and they were "really proud of what we do".
Casey said having foster children in the house quickly became "part of normal family life" and had inspired her to become a foster carer or social worker herself one day.
"I love having children come here because it gives them someone to play with and experience having a loving home," she said.
FWNE, a partnership of local authorities working together to raise awareness of fostering, is taking part in Foster Care Fortnight, two weeks of activity to recognise the dedication of carers.
Landmarks across the region, including the clock tower in Darlington, are being lit up pink over the campaign as a display of support, and fostering teams, carers and families will be taking part in walks and community events.
FWNE team manager Chris James said there was a "misconception that you need to fit a particular mould to foster, but that's not the case".
"What matters most is having the commitment to provide a safe and supportive home whether that's for a short break, weeks at a time or longer term."
He said the charity could help people with any questions they had.
