'All fostered children need is the basics in life'

A retired couple who thought they were "too old" to be foster parents say they have now cared for 16 children in two years.

Margaret and Tim Metcalfe, 67 and 68 respectively, said they believe they have "more patience" at their age and are currently looking after a three-year-old girl "making remarkable progress".

As of September, North Yorkshire Council said its foster carers were providing homes for 438 children, with the authority "urgently" looking for more foster families to come forward.

Tim said: "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."

The couple from Northallerton, who have two sons aged in their 40s, said a turning point was seeing news stories about children who had been harmed or neglected by relatives and they felt "compelled to act".

"I thought I would be too old and assumed carers could only be up to around 50 years old," Tim said.

"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."

Fostering is open to single people, couples, those with or without children, renters and homeowners of all backgrounds, North Yorkshire Council said.

Tim added: "When our boys were little, we used to be more concerned with keeping a clean house.

"Now we just think we can clean in the morning of the next day - your outlook does change."

In July 2024, the Metcalfes welcomed their first foster children - a four‑year‑old, a three‑year‑old and a baby.

Since then they have fostered 16 children, some for weekends and others for longer stays.

"Fostering comes with great rewards," said Margaret.

"One little boy stayed long enough to be potty trained and learned how to laugh and be happy."

Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for children and families at the council, 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."

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