Same-sex couple Debby and Sandra talk about the joys of fostering to challenge myths about who can and cannot be foster parents

But they thought it was unlikely their application would be accepted as they were a same-sex couple.

Unable to let go of the idea and eager to provide a loving home to vulnerable children, they decided to take the plunge seven years ago and have not looked back since.

Debby and Sandra, who live in Cheshire, are currently foster parents to three siblings – aged seven, nine and 11, two boys and one girl – and they say that the experience has surpassed expectations and brought them ‘huge joy’ in the process.And since welcoming them to their family, Debby and Sandra have enjoyed watching them flourish, both at school and at home.

Debby and Sandra

Debby said: “A lot of little things add up and gradually start to make a real difference, and we have seen their confidence soar as they have become much more relaxed and open.

“They can now express their hopes and dreams for the future and have started to believe that they can do anything they put their minds to.

“To have helped them realise this is a wonderful feeling.”

The couple are hoping that by sharing their experiences, they can encourage more same-sex couples to put their names forward and offer vulnerable children a happy and stable home.

“The fact that we were both female turned out to be a non-issue,” they said.

“As long as you have the passion to give a loving, nurturing home to a vulnerable child, a good support network and the ability to do the appropriate training, then you have the key ingredients it takes to become a foster carer.

“If you go into fostering for the right reasons, it will give you joy, laughter, possible tears, challenges, sleepless nights, knowledge, empathy and wonder.

“Make sure you have a good support network, don’t sweat the small things and start each day fresh and new. The joy we get from fostering is huge.”

This sentiment is shared by Annie Winter, head of recruitment at National Fostering Group, who said: “Some people still have fixed ideas about who can and can’t foster.

“Research indicates that 33 per cent of people believe those who are in a same-sex relationship are not able to foster. If you can offer a foster child a stable home then your sexuality does not matter.

“It is important that there is a wide range of foster carers available at any given time with different experiences and skill sets, so that the right match can be made when a child is in need of care.”

Debby and Sandra described the best moments they have experienced as foster parents.

“When the children first called our house ‘home’ was a very special moment and getting the first ‘proper’ big hug. And when they started talking positively about their futures– and their plans included us.

"There are so many other rewards like having a home full of laughter and children playing, watching each child achieve in their own way, and seeing them start to relax, feel safe and just be themselves.

"Knowing that we can help shape a child’s life is a privilege. They are not just learning from us, we are also learning from them.”

Their advice to others considering fostering is simple: “Don’t just think about it, go for it, make that call. If you go into fostering for the right reasons it will give you joy, laughter, possible tears, challenges, sleepless nights, knowledge, empathy and wonder. Make sure you have a good support network, don’t sweat the small things and start each day fresh and new. The joy we get from fostering is huge – it has surpassed our expectations!”

If you would like to make a similar difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people in your local community by becoming a foster carer, Visit www.fostercarers.com for more information.