This January, Cumbria Fostering is launching a county-wide initiative to challenge the misconceptions that prevent potential carers from stepping forward.
With more than 700 children currently in care and a significant shortage of people coming forward to enquire about fostering, the service is launching a major campaign aimed at dismantling the misconceptions that often prevent people from applying. By highlighting the reality of modern fostering, the campaign seeks to open doors for potential carers who may have previously counted themselves out.
The campaign comes at a critical time for the county. While the need is growing, many residents still believe that their age, employment status, or personal background disqualifies them from providing a loving home.
Cumbria Fostering has identified five of the most common barriers cited by the public and provided the facts to set the record straight:
- Myth 1: "I am too old to foster."
- Truth: There is no upper age limit to fostering. As long as you are fit and healthy enough to care for a child, your life experience and wisdom are seen as incredible assets.
- Myth 2: "I work, so I can’t foster."
- Truth: Many of our carers balance full-time or part-time employment with fostering. With the right support and flexibility, a career is not an obstacle to changing a child’s life.
- Myth 3: "I can’t afford to foster."
- Truth: Foster carers receive a comprehensive financial package to cover the cost of caring for a child. This is not a barrier; it is a supported role.
- Myth 4: "I’m not sure if being part of the LGBTQ+ community will be a barrier."
- Truth: Your sexual orientation or gender identity does not affect your ability to foster. We welcome applications from the LGBTQ+ community and value the diversity they bring to our fostering network.
- Myth 5: "I have a disability, so I can’t foster."
- Truth: Having a disability or long-term health condition does not automatically disqualify you. Each application is assessed individually, focusing on what you can do and the support you may need.
One of the most persistent myths is that health challenges or disabilities are an automatic barrier. Maria and Richard Kenyon, foster carers from west Cumbria, are proof that this isn't the case. After 14 years in kinship care, Maria and Richard were worried that Richard’s MS diagnosis would prevent them from becoming mainstream foster carers.
"We were nervous that the myth of 'you can't foster if you have a disability' would hinder our plans," says Maria. "But after speaking with our social worker and ensuring Richard’s health is monitored, we realised his condition wasn't an obstacle. We have successfully continued our journey; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, it’s a great feeling.”
Cllr Emma Williamson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council, said:
“We know that many people in Cumberland have so much love and stability to offer, but they hold themselves back because they think they don’t fit a certain ‘mould.’ Whether you are single, working, or part of the LGBTQ+ community, we want to hear from you. Our priority is finding safe, nurturing homes for our children, and we are here to support you every step of the way.”
Cllr Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Westmorland and Furness Council, added:
“Fostering is really rewarding and it’s vital that we break down these barriers. People often worry that their age or a disability might stop them, but as we’ve seen with carers across Westmorland and Furness, these are often the very people who bring the most resilience and compassion to the role. Please, don’t rule yourself out—reach out to our team and find out how you can change a life.”
Get Involved: Upcoming Information Events
Cumbria Fostering provides 24/7 support, professional training, and access to the Mockingbird programme, a network that acts like an extended family for carers. Local residents are invited to learn more at these upcoming sessions:
- Online Info Event: Wednesday 28 January, 6pm–7pm
- Kendal Library: Friday 30 January, 12pm–2pm
- Workington (Costa Coffee): Friday 6 February, 12pm–1pm
- Barrow Library: Friday 13 February, 12pm–1pm
For further information and to reserve a place at our online event, please visit cumbriafostering.org.uk.