Former foster child urges families to open homes

7 hours ago

Andrew BartonYorkshire

Ashley Smith said children who were put with foster parents who were "positive influences" felt empowered

North Yorkshire Council The image shows a young man standing outdoors in a park during springtime. He is smiling at the camera and wearing glasses, a dark t‑shirt, and a green hooded jacket. Behind him, pink blossom-covered trees are in full bloom, with green grass and yellow flowers visible at ground level. — Ashley Smith said children who were put with foster parents who were "positive influences" felt empowered

A man who spent more than a decade in foster care has called on more people to consider looking after a child.

Ashley Smith, 23, lived with foster families in North Yorkshire for 13 years.

Now training to be a social worker in order to "improve the lives of others" he wants to encourage people to help support children in need.

He said: "I would ask more local families to think about fostering and offering a safe and loving home to a child who needs one and I would especially ask for brothers and sisters to be kept together whenever possible."

On his choice of future profession he added: "I was supported by a brilliant social worker who genuinely believed in me.

"Having those positive influences empowers you. It makes you want to do better, to be better and to give that same support to others."

Smith said being "accepted" by foster parents Diane and Stuart Kelly helped him "build trust"

North Yorkshire Council The image shows three people standing together in a park, smiling at the camera. They are positioned beneath pink blossom trees, with green grass and winding paths visible behind them. The man on the left is wearing glasses, a dark t-shirt, shorts, and a green hooded jacket. The woman in the middle is wearing a pink and purple patterned dress, while the man on the right is dressed in a light blue t‑shirt with a beige padded gilet. — Smith said being "accepted" by foster parents Diane and Stuart Kelly helped him "build trust"

Smith, who has completed an apprenticeship with North Yorkshire Council and is progressing into business support within social care, said the difference a caring, accepting home could make was "immeasurable".

"Truly caring and treating a young person as part of the family makes all the difference."

'Grow and flourish'

Smith, who lives in York and is studying children, young people and society at university, described himself as "one of the lucky ones", thanks to his final foster parents, Diane and Stuart Kelly from Harrogate.

He said: "They offered a warm and loving home where I felt I belonged.

"Diane and Stuart have done a lot for me emotionally and financially too. They loaned me money to buy my first car which was a huge help.

"However, the most impactful thing they did was love me as their own. Feeling accepted and at home is what helps build trust."

North Yorkshire Council's executive member for children and families, Janet Sanderson, said: "We are incredibly proud of Ashley. His resilience, determination and commitment to improving the lives of others is truly inspiring."

Diane and Stuart, added: "We are so so proud of Ashley and how far he's come on his journey.

"When your foster children grow up and move out, it is great that they keep in touch and it is incredibly rewarding to see them grow and flourish into confident young adults."

As of September, the council said its foster carers had provided homes for 438 children, with the authority "urgently" looking for more foster families to come forward.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.