Woman raised in care now helping other children

"They took a battered, bruised and broken child and put me back together again."

Saira Ali was three when she entered the care system, spending time with a foster parent before moving into a residential home at the age of 10.

The former factory worker, now 67, said her upbringing was the making of her, and that her life experience has been "really valuable" since becoming a foster carer at 58.

Saira had feared she would be prevented from fostering, as she was a single pet owner living in a rental property, but she was accepted for the role and has now gone on to help 30 young people.

"I know what the benefits are of having someone who believes in you, that you can trust and that sets you up for your adult life," she said.

She said the main qualities required for the role were "kindness, compassion and empathy."

Saira, from Matlock in Derbyshire, said the support she received through the care system as a child put her "on a level playing field with my peers by the time I was 16".

After working in factories and sales, she went on to become a primary school teacher and was approved as a foster carer by Derbyshire County Council in 2017.

Saira, who has mostly looked after teenagers for short periods, said her marital status, age and rental agreement were not a barrier to her application.

Her dog, Lottie, has even proved to be a help, rather than a hindrance, in supporting the children.

"Whenever they are sad, she goes and sits next to them. The kids love the fact that she notices they need some attention," she said.

Saira, who is currently fostering two people, said she had taken joy in watching them grow.

"You get children with very low self-esteem, low confidence, they can't tell you anything that they're good at," she said.

"When they come and tell you, unprompted, 'I've done this, I'm really good at this,' I'm so proud. That's brilliant."

Derbyshire County Council, which is part of Foster for East Midlands Councils, said there was "significant and sustained" demand for foster carers, particularly for children with more complex needs and for sibling groups.

There are currently 203 active foster care households in Derbyshire, with a further 130 in Derby.

The county council said many things which potential carers fear will prevent them from taking on the role – such as employment, having a disability or not being able to drive – do not necessarily count people out of the role.

To become a foster parent, you must be at least 18, have the right to work in the UK, and be able to take care of a child or young person, often on a full-time basis.

A spokesperson added: "Foster care remains our preferred option wherever it is safe and appropriate, as it offers children the opportunity to grow up in a family environment and supports better long term outcomes.

"As a result, we continue to invest in foster carer recruitment and retention, alongside support, training and financial packages designed to help carers meet children's needs.

"We would continue to encourage anyone interested in fostering to come forward.

"We welcome carers from a wide range of backgrounds and provide ongoing support to help them make a positive difference to children's lives."

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