Long-serving foster carer Lynne Milford wants to highlight her positive reality of a career in such a ‘hugely rewarding’ role – which she says is plagued by too many damaging, negative misconceptions.

It comes as national agencies appeal for more would-be foster parents to get in touch – with the UK experiencing an urgent shortage.

“You may not be able to change the world, but you can change someone’s world,” says Lynne Milford, who, along with husband, businessman Keith, and their four grown-up children has welcomed 31 foster children into the family. Often the same children have had more visits as this provides respite.

“With time and patience, you can change the world for one person at a time.

“One of my proudest moments has been to see a long-term foster child graduate from university. To have been able to build their trust and help them along their path has meant the world. And as a family we have had the most amazing holidays together – we once had a child placed with us the day before we went on our annual break to Scotland – so they came with us – and loved every minute,” said Lynne.

“Keith and I give a ‘child centred’ approach. The children we care for are individuals who just need some understanding and guidance to navigate their world. Respect is also vital. Sometimes the children may have been traumatised or bereaved, and we can bring them safety and security like they’ve never known before. To be a catalyst building a secure and happy future is a vocation. If you are someone who wants to make a difference, becoming a foster carer can mean finding a deep and meaningful purpose.”

Lynne and Keith, both 63, from Wheaton Aston, have stepped in for children aged from just days to teenagers. They have looked after them for time spans ranging from overnight to a full 10 years since they started fostering.

Lynne speaks movingly of the transformative effect a loving, stable home can mean for a foster child and the hope it can bring for the future.

She has proudly witnessed foster children flourish into fulfilling grown-up lives, successful studies, and blossoming relationships of their own.

She has also been a passionate advocate for her foster children, giving them a voice in challenges with education and health, fighting for recognition of special circumstances, or overdue diagnoses. She works tirelessly to support foster children in embracing new enriching activities. Lynne organises 100s of hours of fun experiences for each child outside of school, all shaped by their individual interests.

Lynne, added: “There are a myriad of reasons a child may be in foster care – it may be that they simply need some respite or short-term change of scene, yet other people immediately assume these are all troubled youngsters with chaotic home lives.

“I meet people all the time who label foster children and think they know everyone’s background,” she added.

“As a foster carer we place no one with a ‘label’. Each child is different, each child has their own story, and each child sees it from their own view.

“Yet it’s so important to remember this doesn’t meanthey are naughty or disruptive. Very few are.”

The UK is currently facing a significant shortage of foster carers, with a shortfall of 6,000 carers according to The Fostering Network.

This impacts the lives of children in care, leading to placements further away from their communities and families, and potentially increasing the risk of sibling separation.

Urging those who may be interested to reach out to find out more, Lynne said: “Anyone can be a foster carer as the training is amazing and can give you a new perspective on how children see things.

“You don’t know if fostering will be right for you until you give it a go. When you do become a foster carer though, the rewards are plentiful to see someone grow, develop, and blossom.”

“The training really is one of the outstanding parts of the job. We have such a lot and variety of training. It can help you in every part of life. This is a great opportunity to learn from other carers and to see things with new insight.

Lynne was recognised with a Long Service Award from The National Fostering Agency Midlands group.

She said: “Our agency also runs local get togethers we have wellbeing days; We go bowling together and meet for breakfasts or even Segway over in Cannock Chase. We meet once a month and this helps us with group training and bringing in the knowledge of lots of other carers.

“When you become a foster parent, you really aren’t ever on your own.”

A spokeswoman for the fostering agency, said any fostering process did not make assumptions about family circumstances when it comes to welcoming a child into your home.

“It’s about being compassionate and having a welcoming home to offer,” she said.

Lynne urged other couples to give fostering a go.

“I have so many positive outcomes with children that I’m immensely proud of. By following and being guided by a really good team from the agency and the local authority we all help create the best world for a fostered child.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about fostering can email Lynne on lynnemilford04@gmail.com or see nfa.co.uk/national-fostering-agency/office/midlands