For over three decades, Mr. William Foster, aged 82, and Mrs. Jean Foster, aged 74, have dedicated their lives to fostering nearly 200 children in their home in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. This remarkable couple has opened their hearts and home, providing short and long-term care to children in need, ranging from just a few days to several years.
Their journey into foster care began 32 years ago and has been fueled by a deep passion for helping children from all walks of life feel loved and supported. The Fosters, who themselves have a large family of nine children, including two adopted daughters, Naomi Foster, 34, and Tammy McGill, 41, have also welcomed an extended family that spans generations, with more than 15 great-grandchildren.
One of the most notable aspects of the Foster’s fostering journey is their decision to adopt one of their foster children, a girl who has grown up to have four children of her own, embedding herself and her family into the Foster’s extended family network. The Fosters maintain a close relationship with many of the children they have fostered, who often return to visit, especially during holidays and family gatherings.
Jean Foster, reflecting on their experience, shares that fostering is immensely rewarding, yet challenging. She recounts the numerous sacrifices made and the complex cases handled over the years, emphasizing that making the children feel part of their family was always their paramount goal. The couple has faced the full spectrum of emotional and practical challenges that come with fostering but insists the rewards outweigh the hardships.
Christmas time is particularly special for the Fosters, as it becomes a reunion of sorts, filled with joyous gatherings and multiple Christmas dinners to accommodate everyone. This tradition underscores the lasting impact they’ve had on the lives of these children and the reciprocal love and respect that flow back to them.
Jean believes that age should not be a barrier to fostering. She points out that people over 50 are often well-placed to offer the stability, time, and attention these children need. She encourages others not to dismiss the idea of fostering based on age alone, as both she and her husband have found it to be a profound source of joy and fulfillment in their later years.
The couple’s commitment to fostering is also a testament to their love and teamwork. William Foster finds joy in every aspect of childcare, from the routine daily tasks to the profound moments of connection and breakthrough with the children. He passionately shares that, together, they have never tired of the role they play in these children’s lives.
Currently, the Fosters are caring for two toddlers, aged 10 and 15 months, and they have no plans to stop fostering anytime soon. The satisfaction they derive from seeing the children grow up happy, healthy, and confident continues to fuel their dedication. Jean sums it up best when she says, “We love the job, and we love being around the kids, so we certainly won’t be hanging up our gloves yet.”
The Foster’s story is not just about the children they have helped but also about the enriching and transformative journey they have traveled as foster parents. It stands as a powerful example of how providing a stable and loving environment can profoundly impact many lives, including the caregivers’.
