Talking about foster care on the Today programme
An eye-opening discussion with Ezra and Zara on Radio 4's Today programme
We were on Radio 4’s Today programme on 5 August 2023 with two young people we work with, Ezra and Zara. The show was guest-edited by Amy, a young care leaver, plus her former foster carer and respite carer. Together, they looked at the national shortage of foster carers, why that is, and the impact that’s having on children in care.
They shared their differing experiences with foster care on the show and raised awareness for the issues surrounding foster care.
“It was lovely to meet Amy and Ezra, and talk about the reality of foster care, the ups and downs, and the stereotypes they are often characterised into that young people face and the positive impact foster carers can have on a young people’s lives. I hope by listening to this program listeners will understand children in care and care leavers more and maybe be inspired by listening to consider fostering or donating to amazing charities like Become that support care leavers.” – Zara, a young care leaver.
For children in foster care, the foster carer is likely to be the most important person in that young person’s life, the one person who is there for them every day. It’s vital they’re given the skills and knowledge to provide the children in their care the support to heal and thrive.
⎯⎯ Katy Hudson, Training & Development Manager at Become
More about the show:
There were also interviews with the Children’s Minister, Claire Coutinho, the author of the National Review of Children’s Social Care, Josh Macalister, and care-experienced poet, Lemn Sissay.
I hope by listening to this programme, people will understand children in care and care leavers more - and maybe be inspired to consider fostering or donating to amazing charities like Become that support care leavers.
⎯⎯ Zara, a young care leaver
Ezra, part of our #GoneTooFar campaign group, spoke with Amy and Zara on Radio 4.
If you are care-experienced, under 27 and want to share your views through our media work, such as radio interviews like this, then email our media team by clicking the button below.
