NEWLY-RECRUITED foster carers Kylie and Joe are highlighting the way this selfless act has the power to transform lives.

The couple have recently been approved to be foster carers for Cheshire West and Chester Council after being inspired by Kylie’s auntie family who collectively have been fostering for the council for 30 years.

Kylie said: “I was 19, my parents were approved as foster carers. As I was living with them at the time I would often help to look after the children and making them happy made me happy. Seeing the big impact that my parents had on their lives has really inspired me to take the step in to fostering.”

Joe said: “When I met Kylie I didn’t know much about fostering but being around her family it became the norm. Seeing the difference her parents made to each foster child’s development was amazing.

“Becoming a foster family ourselves just seemed like the right thing to do.”

The family have a three-year-old son and decided to offer respite care placements – taking children in for short periods of time. In the future, they plan to offer more permanent placements once they see how their family adapt to their new role.

With more than 330 children in foster care in west Cheshire, and only 129 approved fostering households, it is crucial for the council to recruit more carers so that children can thrive in a loving home environment.

Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “It’s great to hear stories like Joe and Kylie’s which show the next generation of foster carers applying to look after some of our most vulnerable children and offer them the best start in life.

“If you are over 21, and you have a spare room in your home, you can apply to become a foster carer. We provide full training and ongoing support along with a competitive financial package.”

For more information about fostering, contacting the council’s recruitment team on 01244 972222 or go to fosteringwestcheshire.co.uk