A Northallerton couple who once believed they were “too old” to foster have welcomed 16 children into their home in the past two years – and say their only regret is not starting sooner.
Margaret Metcalfe, 67, and her husband Tim, 68, had considered fostering many years ago but felt the timing was not right while they were both working full time and raising their two sons, now in their 40s.
A turning point came after seeing news stories about children who had been harmed, abused or neglected by parents and relatives. When Mr Metcalfe retired, the couple decided to revisit the idea of fostering.
Their main concern was their age. Mr Metcalfe said: “I thought I would be too old and assumed carers could only be up to around 50 years old. We thought we may have missed the boat and not be running around with three-year-olds in our 60s.
“But there are certainly positives to fostering when you’re older. We have more patience now than when we had our own children. When our boys were little, we worried about keeping a clean house – now we just think we can clean it tomorrow. Your outlook really does change.”
Mrs Metcalfe added: “Our first online search in January 2024 led us to a national agency, but we wanted to foster locally.”
The couple went on to join Fostering North Yorkshire, part of North Yorkshire Council, which offers a range of fostering opportunities and works closely with carers to find arrangements that fit their family and work commitments.
Fostering is open to people of all backgrounds, including single people, couples, those with or without children, renters and homeowners. As of September last year, North Yorkshire Council and its network of foster carers were providing homes for 438 children across the county, with an urgent need for more local families to come forward.
The council’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “It is wonderful to hear the experiences of our foster carers, who come from all walks of life and are of all ages, and who are truly making a difference to children’s lives.
“Opening your home to a child can be a positive and life-changing experience for both the carer and the child, and we will support carers every step of the way.”
In July 2024, the Metcalfes welcomed their first foster children – a four-year-old, a three-year-old and a baby. Since then, they have cared for 16 children, some for short weekend stays and others for longer periods.
“One little boy stayed long enough to be potty trained and learn how to laugh and be happy,” said Mrs Metcalfe. “Our current foster child, a three-year-old girl, has made remarkable progress. It was initially thought she might have learning difficulties, but she has since been discharged from her consultant’s care.”
Mr Metcalfe added: “Fostering is rewarding and we love every minute of it. It’s not always easy, as children often carry trauma from their experiences, but there is always support available – whether it’s a quick text to a social worker or advice from fellow carers.
“All children really need are the basics we all want in life – good food, a clean bed and to feel wanted, safe, loved and cared for. If you can offer that, then please contact North Yorkshire Council.”
More information about fostering in the county is available at www.northyorks.gov.uk/fostering-north-yorkshire.
