A couple who once feared they were “too old” to foster have opened their home to 16 children in the past two years – and say their only regret is not doing it sooner.
Margaret Metcalfe, aged 67, and her 68-year-old husband, Tim, from Northallerton, had considered fostering years ago. However, the couple felt the timing was not right as they were both working full‑time and raising two sons, now aged in their 40s.
A turning point for them was seeing stories about children in the news who had been harmed, abused or neglected by their parents and relatives, they felt compelled to act. When Mr Metcalfe retired, the couple began to seriously consider fostering again.
Their main concern about applying 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 older.
We have more patience now than when we had with our children. When our boys were little, we used to be more concerned with keeping a clean house but now we just think we can clean in the morning of the next day. Your outlook does change.
Mrs Metcalfe added:
Our first online search In January 2024 led to a national agency, but we wanted to foster locally.
Fostering North Yorkshire, part of your local North Yorkshire Council, offers opportunities for different types of fostering and works closely with its foster carers to find the right fit for their own work and family commitments.
Fostering is open to single people, couples, those with or without children, renters and homeowners of all backgrounds. As of September last year, North Yorkshire Council and its family of local foster carers provided loving homes for 438 North Yorkshire children and there is an urgent need for more local foster 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 are from all walks of life and of all ages and, most importantly, 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’ll be supporting you every step of the way.
In July 2024, the Metcalfe’s welcomed their first foster children – a four‑year‑old, a three‑year‑old, and a baby. In the two years since taking that first step, they have fostered 16 children , some for weekends and others for longer stays.
Mrs Metcalfe said:
One little boy stayed long enough to be potty trained and learned how to laugh and be happy.
Our current foster child, a three-year-old girl, has made remarkable progress. It was thought that she may have learning difficulties at first, but she has now been discharged from under the care of her consultant.
Mr Metcalfe added:
Fostering is rewarding and we love every minute of it. It is not always easy and children do have problems because of what they’ve experienced. There is support and help out there, whether through a quick text to a social worker or advice from the network of fellow carers that North Yorkshire Council provide.
All the children need is the basics in life which we all want – regular good food, a clean bed and to feel wanted, safe, loved and cared for. If you can offer a child these things, then please contact North Yorkshire council.
You can find out more about fostering in North Yorkshire at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/fostering-north-yorkshire
