Over the past two decades, 144 children have been fostered by a couple. They say it’s the most rewarding thing they have done. It helps young people who are at risk.
Many Bright, 62, and her husband Joe, 67, began taking emergency placements in 2000 and have since had dozens of children pass through the doors of their home in of West Derby, Liverpool.
One biological son is the couple. They house young adults from 1 night to 2 years.
The foster care system also takes in young, vulnerable families with their children to try and break the cycle of childhood trauma.
Rewarding. Many Bright, 62 and Joe, 67, were pictured. In 2000, they began to take emergency placements and since then have had many children come through their homes.
Comppassionate: Mandy holds three foster children during a christening. They also accept vulnerable children and parents in their search to ‘break the cycle’ of childhood trauma.
Mandy is a former civil servant who said that she knew from childhood she wanted to be a foster mother because of the way her grandparents and parents fostered children.
She shared that she grew up with foster children, so it was obvious to her that this is something she wanted to do.
“It is not easy but it’s worth the effort. Knowing that you make a difference keeps me going. If we can make just one difference in the lives of one child, it will all be worth it.
“And because many of them come back to us, we are certain that we have made a difference in their lives. Many of my foster children have been in touch with me.
“We watched one of their weddings recently. The most satisfying feeling is knowing that your efforts have helped someone else’s life.
Joe and Mandy took in children with mental disorders from families where they have experienced problems with drugs and alcohol.
Bright Futures: Mandy and one of her foster kids at a Christening. She claims she stays in touch with many children she fosters, and how it has changed their lives.
Mandy said, “You need to be compassionate and understand where problems arise.” Empathy is essential. You must show empathy.
They began to take in child and parent placements in 2010 To support their family, they invite their parents or children into their homes.
This is a way to provide more support for vulnerable parents who may have been through the system and to show them how a functioning family system looks.
Mandy said: ‘If you can help and support a parent and teach them to look after their child safely, then they can go on and develop and life a proper family life.
Like family: Two of Mandy Bright’s foster children enjoy a holiday to Cyprus in 2008
Hope: Joe and Mandy encourage other couples to become foster parents. Pictured, two of their foster children enjoy a holiday to Cyprus in 2008
These placements are very difficult because they require you to be there 24/7. However, it can make a big difference in their lives.
“We once had a 16 year old mother who was homeless after giving birth. Her pregnancy was not a success. We were able to have a wonderful relationship with her. She became an amazing parent to her son.
Their foster daughter is now part of the family. She and her siblings regard Mandy, Joe, as their grandparents.
Mandy said, “We know that we can change lives because our children come back to us and tell me. Our children have many happy and fulfilled adult lives, which makes all the difference.
It was said that “if not for you, it wouldn’t have happened.” It’s brilliant.’
Joe and Mandy don’t plan to stop foster care and encourage other people to get involved.
Mandy stated that we are in dire need of foster parents. Although it can be difficult, the best feeling is one that you get.
“You are able to help someone else’s lives improve and it is worth every effort.”