Couple Has Fostered More Than 50 Children Over Almost 30 Years - Hailed As Super Foster Carers

We’ve given 50 children a home
Aug 26 2008 by Abby Alford, South Wales Echo

A COUPLE who have given a home to more than 50 children who would otherwise “have no-one to love them” have been hailed as super foster carers.
Allan and Bernadette Cotter admit their work with youngsters with challenging behaviour is difficult, but say it is still “the best job in the world”.
“It’s not an easy role, but it’s extremely rewarding and we wouldn’t want to do anything else,” said Allan, 61, of Rumney, Cardiff.
“Without foster carers many vulnerable children would have no-one to love them.”
Allan and Bernadette, who have two grown-up daughters of their own, decided to become foster carers because they are passionate about helping children and young people who, through no fault of their own, have had a difficult start in life.
They have been praised as super foster carers by fostering agency Pathway Care Group for helping children and young people for almost 30 years.
Allan said: “It’s the best job in the world, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our family, friends, neighbours and Pathway Care, they’ve all been fantastic.”
The couple have been caring for twin boys for five years. One of the boys has complex behavioural needs.
“He is very bright and loving, but he suffers from sudden mood changes. He can be happy one minute and frustrated the next,” said Allan.
“It’s vital when looking after children with challenging behaviour to be very calm and in control. You mustn’t react aggressively towards them, even if they’re being antagonistic. Through experience and training we’ve learned how to diffuse volatile situations by talking with the children calmly and listening to them.”
Allan and Bernadette hope telling their story will encourage others to become foster carers.
Cardiff-based Pathway Care is calling on those with a background in social and residential care such as social workers, nurses, teachers, police officers and foster carers to come forward.
Wendy Keiden, director of Pathway Care South East Wales, said: “Allan and Bernadette are inspirational. Fostering youngsters with complex needs is not easy, but they’ve risen to the challenge and helped many disadvantaged children lead more fulfilling lives.
“There’s a shortage in Cardiff of foster carers with the experience and skills to look after foster children with challenging behaviour.

It truly takes special people to take on the care of youngsters who have challenging behaviors. My hat goes off to this couple who for 30 years have taken in kids that most families would find unmanageable. I wish I had that type of personality. But as I have admitted before; When God was passing out patience, I definitely was not sitting in the front row. God bless this couple and may they continue to be able to make a difference in the lives of foster children.

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