Long term foster care makes a huge difference to children in Gateshead
Gateshead foster carers, Carol and Paul, were beyond proud recently as they celebrated the achievements of Jake (15), who has been part of their family for six years.
Jake came to live with Carol and Paul on a short-term basis initially, but it was then decided he needed a longer-term foster family. Carol and Paul were so committed to Jake, they decided to become long term foster carers so Jake could stay with them and continue to be part of their family.
Jake has come such a long way and his achievements and ambitions for the future are more than enough to make anyone proud. Jake has recently been made representative for the North East St Johns Ambulance division, where he voluntary First Aider and he is also working towards his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The accolades don't end there. Jake was awarded the very prestigious 'School Colours' which is given to a select few students, each year, for going above and beyond in areas such as voluntary work for example. He also holds a 100% school attendance record and has been asked to be interviewed for head boy, at sixth form, if he gets the grades he needs in his exams.
Jake's foster carers Carol and Paul said:
"Jake will be splitting his time over the summer between volunteering, at a summer camp for younger children, and his part-time job. He hopes to be either a paramedic or a police officer but, whichever path he follows, we are sure he will continue to do well and make us proud.
"We are so pleased to be part of Jake's life and seeing him grow into a young man has been an absolute pleasure. Fostering teenagers can be challenging, but equally, they fill your home with new perspectives and ideas, and their zest for life.
"Long-term fostering has allowed us to continue to support Jake and help him achieve his dreams."
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said:
"We have children, in Gateshead, who need families to look after them until they are eighteen years old and beyond.
"We know that long term fostering has such a positive impact on the lives of children and young people and Jake's story is wonderful example of this. Living in a stable, family home with the support of committed long term foster carers, like Carol and Paul, cannot be underestimated.
"Jake is a young man whom we are all extremely proud of and we wish him all the best for his future. I'm confident his hard work will pay off and he will achieve his ambitions."
Children and young people in long term foster care feel secure and well supported which allows them to focus their attention on what they enjoy, their education and looking ahead to their futures. If you think you could make a difference to a child or young person's life, through fostering, our fostering team can answer all your questions and talk you through the process.
Gateshead foster carers, Carol and Paul, were beyond proud recently as they celebrated the achievements of Jake (15), who has been part of their family for six years.
Jake came to live with Carol and Paul on a short-term basis initially, but it was then decided he needed a longer-term foster family. Carol and Paul were so committed to Jake, they decided to become long term foster carers so Jake could stay with them and continue to be part of their family.
Jake has come such a long way and his achievements and ambitions for the future are more than enough to make anyone proud. Jake has recently been made representative for the North East St Johns Ambulance division, where he voluntary First Aider and he is also working towards his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The accolades don't end there. Jake was awarded the very prestigious 'School Colours' which is given to a select few students, each year, for going above and beyond in areas such as voluntary work for example. He also holds a 100% school attendance record and has been asked to be interviewed for head boy, at sixth form, if he gets the grades he needs in his exams.
Jake's foster carers Carol and Paul said:
"Jake will be splitting his time over the summer between volunteering, at a summer camp for younger children, and his part-time job. He hopes to be either a paramedic or a police officer but, whichever path he follows, we are sure he will continue to do well and make us proud.
"We are so pleased to be part of Jake's life and seeing him grow into a young man has been an absolute pleasure. Fostering teenagers can be challenging, but equally, they fill your home with new perspectives and ideas, and their zest for life.
"Long-term fostering has allowed us to continue to support Jake and help him achieve his dreams."
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said:
"We have children, in Gateshead, who need families to look after them until they are eighteen years old and beyond.
"We know that long term fostering has such a positive impact on the lives of children and young people and Jake's story is wonderful example of this. Living in a stable, family home with the support of committed long term foster carers, like Carol and Paul, cannot be underestimated.
"Jake is a young man whom we are all extremely proud of and we wish him all the best for his future. I'm confident his hard work will pay off and he will achieve his ambitions."
Children and young people in long term foster care feel secure and well supported which allows them to focus their attention on what they enjoy, their education and looking ahead to their futures. If you think you could make a difference to a child or young person's life, through fostering, our fostering team can answer all your questions and talk you through the process.
