A Weymouth man has become a first-time foster carer for a new agency set up to meet the growing demand for carers.  

Rocky, aged 59, has become a foster carer for Step-by-Step Fostering, which is a new agency set up by youth homeless charity Step by Step Partnership in response to the urgent need for foster carers.

The agency provides supportive foster placements to young people aged 11-18, including those with multiple and complex needs.

Rocky, whose second name has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, shared how he wished to support the agency as it closely aligned with his own caring values.

He said: “I never had kids of my own and have always wanted to be a father figure. I see the best in everyone and want to offer young people the chance to succeed in life.

“I chose Step by Step Fostering as I already had a great relationship with Step by Step, the charity. I knew that they would be the right people to support me through my journey.”

 

Dorset Echo: WINNERS: L-R Michael Howell, Jamie Neil, Amanda Dubarry, Keith Gathergood, James Cochrane (Image Credit: Step by Step)WINNERS: L-R Michael Howell, Jamie Neil, Amanda Dubarry, Keith Gathergood, James Cochrane (Image Credit: Step by Step)

Step by Step Partnership which helps 16 to 25-year-olds facing adversity across Dorset was recognised nationally for its services in 2017,  picking up the Improving Impact Award in the UK Charity Governance Awards.

The agency report that in the UK today, 70,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families and an extra 7,200 foster families are needed in the next 12 months alone.

It adds that across the South-Central area, there is a need for 1,500 more foster carers to meet the ever-growing number of children waiting to be placed in suitable and safe foster homes.

Debbie Moreton, Step by Step Partnership CEO, said: “We’ve been supporting young people facing homelessness for over 30 years and having walked the path of a foster carer myself, I intimately understand both the joys and challenges inherent in this role.

“This first-hand experience underscores the critical importance of ensuring that every child and young person within the foster care system has access to the support and opportunities essential for their growth and success.

“I firmly believe that regardless of circumstances, every individual deserves the chance to realise their fullest potential.”