By Deborah Cicurel

A young couple who began fostering in their early 20s say the experience has been the best decision of their lives.

Scott and Georgie Barrett, now 26, welcomed two young brothers into their home in December 2021.

It was an emotional experience for the Ramsgate couple, and as soon as the boys arrived, Scott felt his heart break.

“We are looking after two young people who are part of our family and we have been looking after them for three years,” he says. “We currently plan to see them through to adulthood.

“Many people are shocked and ask lots of questions. Some people say they couldn't do what we do and praise us for doing what we are doing at a young age.

“And others are confused about why we’re doing it at a young age. But our answer never changes and that is so we can do it for as long as possible and support as many children as we can.”

The couple are inspired by Georgie’s stepdad, who has been fostering for more than 10 years. They had seen how he transformed children’s lives and helped them grow into their potential.

Just 22 and 23 at the time, they had no childcare experience and were nervous about the process but decided to give it a try.

“We’ve watched my wife’s parents welcome foster children into their home and become part of our family,” Scott says.

“When we became adults we always spoke about fostering and how we wanted to make a difference in a child’s life.”

Scott was made redundant and the couple decided that was the ideal time to start as he had the time to understand exactly what was needed and to work on the process.

They were referred to Health Farm Fostering based in Herne Bay, part of National Fostering Group, by Georgie’s parents. After being approved in November 2021, they quickly received their first placement.

Scott says fostering can be challenging and that it takes time to build bonds, relationships and trust with young people. But he adds it is the most rewarding experience he could imagine and encourages others to give it a try.

“We began fostering aged just 22 and 23 - it's been the best decision of our lives,” he says.

To any prospective foster carers, he says: “You’ll be amazing - just go for it!”

Find out more about National Fostering Group at https://www.nfa.co.uk/