A young woman whose "life was changed" has urged others to make a difference as there is a "need more than ever before".
Lauren Rowson found herself in emotional turmoil when she was sent to a foster family, with her younger sister, at the age of eight. After drug and alcohol misuse in her birth family, subsequent struggles led to the siblings being placed with a family and they have been there ever since.
But despite the difficulties early on in life, Lauren has said being a foster child has changed her life for the better and is now following her dreams of being a social worker herself. Bravely sharing her journey, she hopes more people will open their homes, and their hearts, to fostering.
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She said: "We've been with the same family for 14 years. That was back in 2009, at first I struggled with the rules and boundaries in place that weren't similar to what I had at home with my birth family but it took a few months to settle in.
"Everyone made sure I have everything and I had the choice to have as much contact with my birth family as I wanted. We were made to feel very at home from day dot. We were brought into this family like one of their own.
"It was daunting being away from my birth family, but we were welcomed with open arms. We got a lot of support, I've always been open about talking and discussing it but we've had people there always seeing what's right for us and knowing our ability and helping us achieve."
The 22-year-old, from Sefton, said there's a lot more children that you expect in the care system and many misconceptions putting people off fostering. She added: "People think they are too old.
"You see a lot of older people saying they'd love to do it or people who have their own kids and are worried about their family structure. A lot of people don't know the process and don't know how long it will take.
"I'd suggest just going for it, or at least enquire about it, get your questions answered and you'll know if it's best for you. There's different styles of fostering and people don't know enough about it.
"It's changed my life. I wouldn't be on the path I'm on now if I wasn't fostered. And it's not just my life it's impacted positively, we've got good relationships with our foster siblings and we can emphasise how they feel.
"It makes you see things differently and not all children have the same experience. The number of children in care is shocking. It may be in their best interests at times but it's sad that support network wasn't given sooner."
Sefton Council is urging local people to think about giving a loving home that can help children grow and connect. There are many different reasons why a child may come into Sefton’s care and this experience can be traumatic for them.
There are different types of fostering, from short-term to long-term and emergency or respite. Anyone can foster as long as they are aged over 21, have at least one spare bedroom, are a full time resident in the UK and can dedicate the time and care to those in need.
According to Fostering with Sefton, common myths around fostering include not being able to foster because you are single, not owning your own home, sexuality, age, faith, work life and lack of qualifications.
Councillor Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care said at least 15 more foster carers need to be recruited by the end of this year in order to offer sustainable homes to children in care.
Cllr Doyle added: "There is now more of a need to recruit new carers than ever before. Nationally there is a shortage and our capacity in Sefton is full. We need to recruit a least 15 more carers by the end of this year to offer suitable homes for our cared for children.
"At this time of year some people are evaluating their lives and thinking about changes for the future. Sefton’s Foster Carers are paid for their skills, receive full training and support, plus allowances. I urge anyone who has thought about becoming a foster carer to take this opportunity to find out more and see whether giving this vital support is for them."
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