Dean and Nora began their journey as foster carers in the 1980s, a time when the landscape of social care in West London looked very different. Over the next five decades, the couple opened their doors to more than 90 young people, providing a stable environment for children during some of the most turbulent moments of their lives. As Hounslow marks Foster Care Fortnight, their story serves as a testament to the long-term impact of dedicated local support.
The couple’s career has been defined by a commitment to the London Borough of Hounslow, ensuring that the children they care for remain connected to their roots. By sharing their experiences through a new series of videos, Dean and Nora hope to inspire a new generation of residents to consider the vocation. Their reflections offer a rare glimpse into the evolution of fostering and the enduring need for local homes for local children.
Five decades of support for Hounslow’s youth
Since they first registered as carers, Dean and Nora have seen dozens of children pass through their home. Each child brought a unique set of needs and a different story, but the couple’s approach remained consistent: providing a sense of belonging within the community. Nora emphasizes that the continuity of living in the same borough where a child grew up is often the most critical factor in their development.
Reflecting on the logistics of modern care, Nora points out the stark difference between local authority fostering and Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs). She notes that when children are placed through external agencies, they are often “taxied in and taxied out,” moving away from the familiar streets of Hounslow. For Nora, the priority is that children are cared for “in the borough, by the borough,” ensuring they have immediate access to a local wellbeing hub and support networks without the disruption of long commutes.
Why staying within the borough matters for children
Dean shares this perspective, focusing on the social and emotional cost of moving a child away from their established environment. When a child is placed outside their home borough, they risk losing more than just a roof over their head; they often lose contact with friends, schools, and extended family members who live nearby.
Maintaining these links is vital for a child’s sense of identity. Dean observes that a child in care may have an aunt or uncle living just a few streets away, and being moved to a different part of London or even further afield can sever those ties. Keeping children in Hounslow allows them to maintain their existing relationships, which provides a necessary safety net during a period of significant change.
Meeting the team at Hounslow’s Treaty Centre
To mark Foster Care Fortnight, which runs throughout May, Hounslow Council’s fostering team is hosting a series of recruitment events. These sessions are designed for residents who may have considered fostering but are unsure of the requirements or the process involved. From 11 May to 22 May, staff will be stationed at the Treaty Centre in Hounslow town centre between 10am and 4pm.
These drop-in sessions offer an informal environment to ask questions. On specific dates—12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, and 22 May—prospective carers can also meet existing foster carers. This peer-to-peer contact allows residents to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges and rewards of the role, much like the experiences shared by Dean and Nora.
Financial support and professional fees for new carers
Fostering is a significant commitment, and the council provides a structured financial package to support carers. Currently, Hounslow’s foster carers can earn between £408 and £848 per week, depending on the specific needs and age of the child or children in their care. This payment is divided into two distinct parts: a fostering allowance and a professional fee.
The fostering allowance is intended to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child, including food, clothing, and travel. The professional fee serves as an income payment, recognizing the skills and time the carer invests in the role. This financial framework is designed to ensure that carers can focus on the wellbeing of the children without facing undue financial pressure. Residents interested in starting their own journey can contact the Hounslow Council fostering team directly to begin the conversation.
Source: London Borough of Hounslow
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