A FOSTER carer’s son is following in his mother's footsteps as a foster carer.
Andrew Dinsley, of Chilton, saw the impact that foster carers can have on a young person’s life by watching his mother Dorothy look after 15 children.
Now, with wife Lindsey, 42, a care assistant, the 47-year-old paint supervisor has become County Durham’s first newly approved carer in 2018.
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The couple first enquired about fostering with Durham County Council in March 2017 and applied in August. After training and support they look forward to soon welcoming a sibling group into their home.
Mr Dinsley said: “I have seen the benefits of fostering first hand. My mum is a foster carer and I saw many children whose lives have dramatically changed thanks to foster care. That is one of the main things that has encouraged us to get involved, we really want to make a difference.
“We’re just normal people but we have the room and the time to offer but hopefully we can make a difference to a child or brothers and sisters – we can’t wait to be able to do that.”
His mother, also from Chilton, said: “I am really really proud of Andrew and Lindsey. They are both fantastic with kids and I know that whoever comes to live with them will have a lovely home life.
“The fact that Andrew is following in my footsteps is fantastic and I look forward to seeing them become a family.”
Durham County Council has more than 775 children in its care but, like all areas of the country, does not have enough foster carers particularly for teenagers and sibling groups.
Mr Dinsley said: “My advice to anyone thinking of exploring the idea of fostering would be to get in touch with the team, have that chat and ask all the questions you’re thinking about.”
Helen Fergusson, Durham County Council’s head of looked after children, said: “Our foster carers tell us that nothing gives the same feeling of love and warmth as fostering and by working with us you could make an enormous difference to a child’s life.
“We know that there are many myths that surround fostering and so we would encourage people to find out the facts before they rule themselves out.
“You don’t need any special qualifications – just a genuine interest in caring for young people, patience, understanding and a sense of humour - and we can offer you training and specialised support along the way.”
To find out more visit durham.gov.uk/fostering or attend an informal drop-in information session, the next is at Durham County Hall on Saturday, 10am to 1.30pm.