Fostering children 'has been so wonderful for us'

A couple with four children of their own say fostering has been like "learning to be parents again".

Andrew and Beccy Wood, from Lincoln, have been providing permanent and emergency care for children for the past two years.

Mr Wood said the experience had been so rewarding, they were now encouraging their friends to sign up.

Lincolnshire County Council said there was a need for more foster carers and urged people to attend an introduction event to learn more about the support on offer to parents.

The couple are providing long-term foster care for two siblings and Mrs Wood said their first meeting with the children went so well, "even the social worker was surprised".

"We always said we wanted to foster a sibling group so that we were helping a family stay together," she said.

"But you have to accept that it is almost like learning how to be a parent all over again.

"As foster carers, we are trying to repair any damage that might have been suffered by these children.

"You have to become their safe place and never forget that children are placed with foster carers for a reason."

Applying to become a foster carer seemed "daunting" at first, Mrs Wood said.

But the couple soon found there was help and guidance "at every stage".

They completed a course and spoke to a social worker about their home and interests.

"They do their best to match you up to a child or children with similar interests," Mrs Wood added.

The couple receive payments for each child, including additional money for birthdays and at Christmas. A social worker provides dedicated support.

Mr Wood added: "It has been so wonderful for us that we are now approaching our friends and encouraging them to become involved."

Further details are available on the council's fostering site.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.