Fostering Is A Family Way Of Life | FCA News

February 13, 2008

Six years ago Barbara Rimmer, from Northwich, would have found herself in the class room at a local primary school volunteering her services to help support children with special needs. Today, she has carved out a career as a full time foster carer and juggles a busy lifestyle, centred on looking after some of societies most troubled foster children.

“Before I worked with Foster Care Associates (FCA), I had derived an enormous sense of satisfaction working with primary school children. Seeing children from all walks of life with varying educational, emotional and physical needs made me take a different outlook on my life,” explains Barbara.

“It was only when a friend of mine suggested that fostering might be an option to consider, that my family and I made that first step and got in touch with FCA. Since then we have never looked back.”

Concerned of the impact this new career change might have on her family, Barbara initially agreed to become a respite carer. Living with her partner Mark (46) the couple have looked after almost 50 foster children – many of whom have been severely disabled either emotionally or physically. The couple have one birth son, Joseph, who is now 16 years old.

“For an only child it can sometimes be hard to ‘share’ your parents with other children but in the case of Joseph, being part of a foster family has opened up his eyes and made him appreciate other people’s emotional needs. Joseph has played a key role in welcoming the many foster children into our home which is really important as fostering is a way of life,” says Barbara.

“Although it can sometimes be very challenging, the rewards far outweigh the difficult times. To know that you have been instrumental in bringing stability and security into the lives of foster children who may have suffered abuse is hugely rewarding. And, to give them rich opportunities and watch them flourish is wonderful,” she adds.

Barbara believes that the support offered to foster carers by FCA, plays a fundamental part in providing the necessary advice and training to equip carers for the fostering task.

Through its unique ‘team parenting’ approach, FCA provides a 24 hour support service to all its foster carers. This service draws on the expertise of a number of professionals including social workers, education officers, therapists and support workers - all fully committed to supporting placements and to achieving positive outcomes. High on FCA’s agenda is to provide carers with the back-up and tools to develop strategies to manage a host of complex behavioural issues.

Encouraging children and young people to enjoy sports and activities is all part of what goes on at the Rimmer household. The family are very much part of the local community and their time can often be spent down at the Multi-Sport Centre in Northwich – a sports club for disabled children run by a group of parent volunteers who facilitate quality sports activities for disabled children.

Barbara is chairperson at the Centre and her son Joseph, who is a black belt in karate, is an assistant coach. Partner Mark, is happy to help out behind the scenes organising transport runs and arranging team events.

“Many of the children we look after are physically disabled which means the Centre is an ideal and safe environment for them to take part in mainstream activities,” continues Barbara.

“Mark is also passionate about the outdoors and shares his love of animals with the children. They begin to understand the importance of nurturing and caring for others which is all part of everyday family life.”

Foster Care Associates (FCA) is the UK’s leading independent fostering agency with a network of 80 offices UK-wide. The organisation has a strong presence throughout the North West and offers local support through its network of seven area offices and regional head quarters in Manchester. Working with over 125 local authorities, FCA provides quality care in a family setting for looked after children and young people who may sometimes display challenging behaviour.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about fostering should visit the website www.iwanttofoster.com or call FCA freephone on 0800 085 2225.