It’s Day 2 of Foster Care Fortnight – and today, we’re handing the mic to someone who’s rewriting the rulebook on what a foster carer “should” look like.
Meet Jessie – 22 years old, single, full of warmth and wisdom beyond her years. She’s also a foster carer here in Hull, and she’s bravely shared her story in this powerful, down-to-earth video:
Yes, you read that right. Jessie’s fostering a young person just 6 years younger than her. And yes, she’s faced her fair share of raised eyebrows and unfair questions.
But Jessie doesn’t just face the stigma – she smashes it.
“I know people look at me and think I’m too young,” Jessie says. “But I’ve got a lot to give – and my young person needed someone who gets it, who understands the world she’s in right now.”
And that’s exactly what fostering is all about. It’s not about ticking a box. It’s about stepping up when a child needs you most.
Myth-Busting Time: How Old Do You Have to Be to Foster?
You only need to be 21 or over, have a spare bedroom, and be able to offer stability, love and care. That’s it.
There’s no age limit.
No need to be in a couple.
No need to own your home.
We’ve got foster carers in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and well beyond – and every single one brings something different to the table.
Foster carers like Jessie prove there’s no one-size-fits-all. Just people with big hearts and open minds.
Foster Care Fortnight isn’t just about celebration – it’s about conversation. So today, we’re asking you to join us in myth-busting the biggest barrier of all: the idea that fostering is only for certain people.
It’s not. It’s for Hull people. Young ones. Older ones. Singles. Couples. Mums, Dads, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Here’s How You Can Help (Even If You’re Not Ready to Foster Yet):
- Watch Jessie’s video and hear what it’s really like to foster as a young person in Hull.
- Follow Hull Fostering on social media – Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @HullFostering
- Share our posts – help us get these real stories seen.
- Talk about fostering at work, at the school gates, or over a cuppa. You might inspire someone else.
- Ask us questions – we’re open, honest, and here to help, call 01482 612 800, email fostering@hullcc.gov.uk,
Not everyone can foster, but everyone can help.
Let’s show Hull’s young people that they matter.
Let’s show them Hull’s got heart.
