A FOSTER carer from Ringwood has spoken of her experiences to encourage others to follow suit.

Jackie, who we are not fully identifying because of the sensitive nature of her work, has been fostering for 13 years and in that time she has had 22 children through her door.

Many of the placements have also come with one or both parents, and Jackie provides support to help them nurture their children more effectively.

She said: “My parents fostered for about five years when I was a teenager.

“I have a sister who has fostered for over 30 years, another sister who has fostered for around eight years and my brother and his wife are also foster carers.

“I suppose when my husband Mark and I felt we were ready we felt this was something we could offer to others, whilst working from home and giving us an additional income.”

She added: “For the first 12 or so months, I was a respite carer, having children aged 1-15 years, some with learning difficulties, some with emotional issues.

“Since 2001, I have specialised in Parent and Child Fostering, having had 17 parent and child placements.

“The ages of parents have ranged from 15-40 years old. Backgrounds have varied from drug and alcohol abuse, sexual and mental abuse, learning difficulties, young parents from chaotic backgrounds.”

And she said: “There are definitely highs and lows to fostering. It has been very rewarding but sometimes very challenging.

“I believe our children have gained immensely from fostering in helping them understand the problems that youngsters face while living in an often, chaotic and dysfunctional environment.

“They have also found it difficult, at times, sharing their parents with strangers.”

But she says her experience of fostering is fulfilling, challenging, interesting and rewarding.

She said: “The role requires patience and the willingness to learn new skills. Fostering is flexible in offering carers a variety of different placements to fit in with their own family circumstances. It offers an attractive financial package, and the opportunity to truly make a difference to a child's life.”

Jackie fosters for the independent fostering agency Blue Sky Fostering in Ringwood.

Go to www.blueskyfostering.com.