Cumbria Fostering marks Children of Foster Carers Week

As part of Children of Foster Carers Week (13 to 19 October), Cumbria Fostering is shining a light on the incredible contribution that birth children make to fostering families — and the lasting positive impact fostering can have on their lives.

The week celebrates the often-unsung role of sons and daughters in fostering households. These young people play a vital part in welcoming children into their homes, offering friendship, empathy, and understanding. Their experiences help create nurturing environments where foster children can thrive.

For Gen Spencer and her partner Neil, from South Cumbria, fostering has been truly been a family journey — one that includes their 10-year-old son, William. The couple foster a sibling group of two sisters and say that William has been involved every step of the way.

Gen explained: “William has always been central to our decisions and fully involved in preparing for children and young people being welcomed into our home. He has been incredibly resilient and I think keeping birth children involved in the process from the start is very important.

“He has helped play with the little ones, sharing toys and activities with special needs children, showing patience and understanding with them. We have been so impressed by how he coped with some very challenging behaviours. We always checked in with him afterwards to see how he was feeling.”

William himself shared: “I love having sisters to play with and enjoy family holidays together. I'm lucky to have a safe home and want to share it with others.”

William is also a keen footballer, playing for Milnthorpe and District Junior Football Club Under 11s. This season, Cumbria Fostering is proud to sponsor the team’s home kit — which features our fostering logo — helping to raise awareness of fostering as William and his team mates play matches across the region.

Children of Foster Carers Week reminds us that fostering isn’t just about the carers — it’s a whole-family commitment that can enrich everyone involved.

To learn more about fostering in Cumbria, visit cumbriafostering.org.uk