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A couple who have been foster caring for 18 years said they would “never look back” on what they described as the “perfect life”.
Diane and Brian Bines, 58 and 68, from Sawtry, Cambridgeshire, first fostered a child when their six-year-old daughter Emma asked for a sibling.
They had a chat as a family and decided to begin the application process. Their daughter Emma, now 24, was “really, really excited” about the prospect of having a sibling.
Councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough say there is a shortage of foster carers.
The application process involved asking questions about the family and their working life, as well as courses and tests to make sure they were ready for what was involved.
“There was a glint in Di’s eye when she was doing it, she really gets stuck in,” said Mr Bines.
He described his main job as the “taxi driver”, adding: “Things like that, you know, taking the children here, there and everywhere.”
The couple admit that there have been challenges and said their motto was to “always expect the unexpected”.
They described the support from the council as “incredible”, saying they never felt like they needed to deal with issues alone.
Mrs Bines said: “I would never look back, it’s just worked – it’s our perfect life.”
All foster parents receive a weekly allowance to cover the cost of caring ranging from about £165 and £289 a week, but can be more depending on the age of the child and level of experience of the foster carer. Fosterers also qualify for tax relief and are eligible for other allowances including for holidays, birthdays, travel or the costs of buying baby equipment or furniture.
Katy Cole, a councillor and cabinet member for children’s services at Peterborough City Council, said: “Fostering is an incredible way to make a lasting difference in a child’s life, offering them stability, care, and the chance to experience a loving family home. By opening your heart and home, you provide more than just shelter – you provide hope, security, and the chance for a brighter future.”
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